Category Archives: Celebrity News

Living an Illusion

Social media’s presence in our everyday lives has done nothing but grow. Whether one prefers Instagram, FaceBook, Twitter, blogs, or vlogs, it is almost guaranteed that each and every person who has access to a smartphone or computer checks in with their online “friends” dozens of times a day. At first thought it would seem that this is good for our mental health — we are more connected, right? — but in actuality it can be very detrimental.

Take Instagram model Essena O’Neill, for example. In a very public announcement, O’Neill left Instagram — abandoning her thousands of followers. Even though she was earning up to $1,400 per sponsored post, she said the money wasn’t worth the negative effects endured from a daily addiction to comparison. Seeing others’ “perfect lives” does cause one to compare and contrast our own struggles and realities, and it can be hard to remember that what we see is only what someone else WANTS us to see. The reality can be very, very different!

Self-worth should not be measured in “likes,” and our value as a person does not equal how “pretty” or “handsome” we are. O’Neill edited her photo captions to reflect the amount of time she spent on perfecting her appearance, and many people were very surprised that her “morning look” only came about after hours of preparation.

Keeping our online identity close to our true identity is of the utmost importance, researchers say. If we stray too far from our true selves, then there is a much higher risk of social anxiety. Staying in the present moment is necessary as well, and it definitely wouldn’t hurt to put a cap on the amount of times you click over to FaceBook and Instagram! Remember that a picture can be worth a thousand words, but those words were written by someone who wanted to write a very specific book — and you don’t get the whole tale from just a page (or, should we say a photo!).

Kylie Jenner’s Lip Enhancement Inspired by Penile Enlargement Device?

Kylie Jenner reports that her lips were enhanced  “naturally”, but fans don’t believe her.  Those wanting to emulate her have began lip “cupping” and it has led to a social media frenzy.  Lip cupping may have originated in China or Egypt thousands of years ago, but versions of cupping have been present for decades (think late night cable TV ads for breast and penile enlargement suction devices!).

Lip cupping, a reemerging trend, uses suction to increase blood flow to the lips.  The suction causes temporary trauma, inflammation and enlargement that results in lip plumping that can last for approximately 5-20 minutes.

Sadly, results are not always predictable and side effects can be numerous.  Common ones include dark bruises and “blood blisters” that can take days to go away.  Dryness, cracking and lip lines can from from swelling and puckering.  Lip injuries can be profound and cause bleeding, scars and depressions.  In fact, lip cupping can result in migration of previously injected lip filler and this can cause bumps, lumps and valleys?

If you desire a change in the size  or shape of your lips, trust your face to the expert: facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Yagoda.

Plastic Surgery Trending….

Plastic Surgery Trending: Kate’s nose!

The “Kate Effect” of Kate Middleton has extended past clothes and jewelry and has now peaked at people copying her face! Sources say that the amount of people asking for a “cute nose like Kate” has tripled since 2011. They cite the reason behind her “perfect” nose as the angle: It is slightly upturned with just the right degree of slope. Although we are not sure her nose is the “perfect” one (everyone is different!) it definitely is VERY cute!

Celebrity Update: Pop Star Ariana Grande gets silenced!

She’s been called the next Mariah Carey or the next Whitney Houston because of her eight octave vocal range.  If you haven’t heard Ariana Grande’s amazing voice then you will have to wait because the hot new pop star has just been silenced.  That’s right!  After a loud, late night party, Ariana awoke with hoarseness.  A visit to the voice doctor showed a vocal hemorrhage. What exactly is a vocal hemorrhage?  How did she get it?  How is it treated?  And, most importantly, will we be able to hear her sing again?

Vocal hemorrhages occur from vocal cord trauma. A forceful impact can cause blood vessels within the layers of the vocal cords to bleed and cause a bruise similar to the type that happens under your nail when you slam your finger in the door. Hemorrhages can occur during prolonged voice use; yelling, screaming and forced voice use; or, even during routine use when there is inflammation or infection associated with laryngitis. Ariana tweeted “For those of u asking about my voice I screamed too much at my party totally irresponsible…”

Vocal cord hemorrhages, like Ariana’s and Adele’s and are not uncommon. In an interview on Inside Edition, Dr. Yagoda said, “Just like athletes, singers are at risk of injury from high levels of performance and even overexertion.” Generally not painful, vocal hemorrhages are typically associated with painless hoarseness of the speaking and/or singing voice. A visit to an otolaryngologist (ears, nose and throat doctor) specializing in care of the professional voice is in order. Proper diagnosis is made by endoscopy (a special lighted and magnified examination of the vocal cords during phonation). The use of steroids (often given for other causes of hoarseness) must be avoided as they can both cause the bleeding to increase, and they can mask other symptoms. Treatment of a vocal cord hemorrhage entails complete voice rest for up to two weeks, with interval endoscopic exams used to monitor the hemorrhage until it is gone.

By following the doctor’s prescription for complete voice rest, Ariana will likely have a long, monumental career. Failure to heed that advice can result in a premature and devastating end of her budding career.

Celebrity Update: Amanda Bynes’ Nose Job: BD or BDD?

Amanda Bynes has been tweeting about her nose job, stating that she had it to correct a “birth defect.”  As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Yagoda is an expert on cosmetic nasal surgery.  She can perform a cosmetic rhinoplasty (nose job) to straighten a crooked nose, remove a bump, raise or lower the bridge, narrow the nostrils, refine the nasal tip, lift a droop, fix a cleft, and create symmetry.  While rhinoplasty can provide many changes, it does not do what Amanda suggested — remove webbing from the eyes!As an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat expert), Dr. Yagoda can also make functional corrections to the nose.  She can straighten a deviated septum and reduce turbinates to improve airflow, correct sinus disease and relieve sleep apnea to enhance restful sleep. Even a combined functional and cosmetic nasal surgery would not affect your eyes. You would need eye surgery for that.

So, is Amanda Bynes’ rhinoplasty (that really doesn’t correct webbing) for a birth defect or “BD”?  Or, is it likely because of “BDD” body dysmorphic disorder? Given her reckless behavior, we think that body dysmorphic disorder is a real possibility.  BDD is a form of mental illness, when someone obsesses about perceived flaws in appearance that are either non-existent or too small for other people to notice.  BD or BDD?  What do you think?

Photo credit: LostStars.co

The Latest Trend in Plastic Surgery: Kate Middleton’s Nose

As you can see on countless magazine covers, Kate Middleton is a well-known trendsetter in the fashion and beauty world. Everything she wears seems to sell out immediately-a phenomenon called the “Kate Effect.” But to what extent will people go to emulate the Duchess of Cambridge? According to data from one of England’s top cosmetic surgery centers, an increasing number of women are getting surgery to replicate Kate’s nose, becoming the most popular celebrity look-alike feature. Requests for her nose have tripled in the past two years. One can only guess what trend she will inspire next!

Is there a celebrity’s nose you’ve always admired? If you’re thinking rhinoplasty might be right for you, call our office to schedule your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Yagoda in her New York City office.

Photo Credit

Have you or anyone you know seen Dr. Google?

Are you looking for a good female diagnostician? It turns out many Americans are. But if you also skip your doctor’s visit and simply “google” your symptoms for diagnosis you might want to know this: according to a recent study, 35% of American adults said they went online to diagnose a medical condition for themselves or someone else. But Dr. Google is not a substitute for the real thing. While it’s cheaper than going in-network, the ultimate cost may be higher if you end up with the wrong diagnosis.

As a facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. Yagoda has a full complement of tools to help her patients achieve their aesthetic and functional goals while implementing lifestyle changes that enable them to enjoy optimal health.

Breaking Celebrity News – Sexiest Man Alive

Who do you think was voted the sexiest man alive according to People Magazine?

a) Patrick Dempsey
b) Daniel Craig
c) Channing Tatum
d) George Clooney
e) Alex Rodriguez
f) Denzel Washington

Correct answer: Channing Tatum! Do you agree with People’s choice? Do you think there should be more categories? Perhaps, “Sexiest Man Over 30,” or “Sexiest African American Man” would add more variety. here are many men that aren’t young and Caucasian that are handsome. Don’t you agree?

If you skim through the pages of a glossy magazine or look at celebrities, you may think beauty is narrowly defined. In the fashion and beauty world, tall, thin, and young are the traits typically associated with attractiveness. Dr. Yagoda believes that beauty cannot be defined by one set of standards. She believes that there is no one ideal.  Ethnicity is important and its preservation is paramount.  While Dr. Yagoda certainly appreciates the effect of a strong well-defined jaw; and a perfectly proportioned nose, she also recognizes the distractions of poor skin tone and quality; dull, lifeless hair; and ill-kept nails. In fact, Dr. Yagoda strongly believes that external beauty is a reflection of inner health and wellness and that good genes are as important as good lifestyle practices. What do you think?

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow!

Had enough bad weather? Want to finally hear that “the sun will come out…tomorrow”?

Hear it first-hand from our friend, Lilla Crawford, as she stars in the Broadway revival of Annie. Ben Brantley of the New York Times called Ms. Crawford “pretty close to perfect in this title role.” If you or someone you know is a professional voice user, count on Dr. Yagoda to keep your voice healthy and strong!