Charleston Plastic Surgeon on the International Trends of Cosmetic Procedures
Charleston plastic surgeon Dr. Ram Kalus says he has seen the cosmetic enhancement trend amongst his patients begin to shift towards a more European aesthetic, characterized by subtle, natural results rather than high-profile procedures. As plastic surgery continues to pick up more steam across the globe, Dr. Kalus discusses recent statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) as well as cosmetic style and preference in Europe and the United States in procedures such as breast augmentation and facelift.
According to the latest statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), North America and Europe account for a combined total of 46% of all cosmetic procedures performed in 2010 and 12 of the top 25 countries with the highest total cosmetic enhancements. With over 8.5 million procedures performed between the two continents this past year, Dr. Ram Kalus, a plastic surgeon in South Carolina, says European and North American influences in aesthetic trends carry significant weight in the international market. Over the past few years, Dr. Kalus says he has seen a movement in cosmetic enhancement preference in the United States towards a more European aesthetic, specifically in breast augmentation in Charleston.
Having completed part of his plastic surgery training in Paris, Dr. Kalus says the European philosophy in aesthetic surgery has generally been structured on the “less is more” principle, particularly with facelift and breast augmentation procedures. Paris plastic surgeon Dr. Bernard Mole confirms Dr. Kalus’ observations, reiterating the perception that ideal beauty in France is geared towards natural-looking results. With breast augmentation, Dr. Kalus says European trends typically gravitate to smaller increases in cup size to achieve a more subtle enhancement, whereas cosmetic patients in North America have characteristically chosen higher profile implants. Similarly, compared to typical facelift procedures performed in the U.S., he says patients in France and other parts of Europe often choose a less extreme degree of tissue lifting. “In Europe, there is generally a more understated appearance. Women, for example, tend to wear less makeup, and both men and women tend to be very private and discrete about any enhancement they might have undergone. Therefore, it is critical to leave the patient with an unoperated appearance.This is true for both face and breast surgery.”
However, Dr. Kalus also adds that he has witnessed more and more patients in the U.S. beginning to seek smaller procedures and more subtle changes in their appearance, an aesthetic trend he subscribes to at his practice. For his South Carolina breast augmentation patients in particular, he says he takes great care to provide the highest level of precision and a natural-looking appearance. As with all cosmetic procedures, Dr. Kalus says he recommends patients consult with a dedicated, board-certified plastic surgeon in addition to researching all available cosmetic options thoroughly before making any decision about plastic surgery. “When one is selecting a plastic surgeon, it is not only critical to confirm they are board certified and well qualified, but the patient must also be comfortable with their aesthetic sensibility, and this can be reflected not only by that surgeon’s Before and After gallery, but also in his or her demeanor, office décor, and even the practice website. I feel that receiving part of my training in Europe, and being credentialed and licensed both in the United States and in Israel, has provided me with an international perspective that ultimately makes me a more well rounded surgeon.”
About Ram Kalus, MD, FACS
Completing both his medical degree and his B.A. in Psychology cum laude from Boston University, Dr. Ram Kalus has completed several plastic surgery residencies at various reputable institutions including the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and the Hospital for Sick Children in Paris, France. He founded and directed the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Israel in 1997, and has served as Past President and Treasurer of the South Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Kalus is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Located at 578 Lone Tree Drive, Suite 102 in Mount Pleasant, SC, Dr. Kalus’ practice, Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, can be reached at (843) 881-3881. He can also be contacted online via the website plasticsurgerycarolina.com or facebook.com/plasticsurgerycarolina.
###
Plastic Surgery for Men Rising in Popularity According to Charleston Plastic Surgeon
According to the latest survey from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), 49% of men now say they approve of plastic surgery. While men had over 750,000 total cosmetic procedures in 2010, Dr. Ram Kalus, a plastic surgeon in Charleston, says male plastic surgery has seen a dramatic increase at his practice thanks to a number of social and technological factors. Dr. Kalus discusses the popularity of plastic surgery for men and the likely influences behind its growth.
At his practice in Charleston, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ram Kalus says male plastic surgery is on the rise as more patients become aware of its aesthetic benefits and its ability to boost confidence and self-esteem. He says his male patients are now more confident in electing surgical procedures such as gynecomastia treatment, liposuction of the “love handles,” or rhinoplasty, as well as non-invasive procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or other facial rejuvenation enhancements. The most recent study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) confirms Dr. Kalus’ observations, reporting that approval ratings of plastic surgery amongst men have risen to 49%. According to the ASAPS study, over 750,000 total cosmetic procedures in male plastic surgery were performed in 2010, an increase of 88% since 1997.
“More men are seeking plastic surgery today than ever before and this is certainly true in my practice as well. There is greater awareness in men today of a common condition called ‘gynecomastia’ wherein the male breast is enlarged. Rhinoplasty for reshaping of the nose remains very common, and can sometimes be accompanied by requests in changing the chin projection as well. Heavy eyelids and sagging of the neck can be bothersome to middle-aged men who may feel significantly younger than their looks would suggest. The most common procedure I perform on men is gynecomastia correction, followed by eyelid rejuvenation, liposuction, and face and neck lift procedures.”
Dr. Kalus says one of the most likely influences on the rise in plastic surgery for men is the increase in social approval. Combined with advances in techniques and technology allowing more subtle results and minimal scarring. He says many male patients feel more comfortable undergoing a cosmetic procedure because social stigma against male aesthetic enhancement has been lessened in modern culture. Dr. Kalus also says many men at his practice have expressed that the increased confidence in their appearance resulting from plastic surgery in South Carolina often negates any criticism they might have faced.
In addition, Dr. Kalus says men often find that exercise and eating healthy do not always yield the results they are looking for to enhance aesthetic imperfections in areas such as the face, or body, which ultimately leads them to plastic surgery for restorative and enhancing results. When asked whether he has seen an increase in male procedures at his practice, Dr. Kalus responded, “Definitely. More men are venturing forth and realizing that they can only accomplish only so much by taking good care of themselves, exercising, and eating right. At a certain point, hopes for significant facial rejuvenation or body contouring must be left to the hands of a board certified plastic surgeon.”
Regardless of whether men are seeking a surgical procedure or a non-invasive enhancement, Dr. Kalus says patients should be sure to consult with an experienced and qualified surgeon before undergoing any treatment. He also suggests conducting extensive research of the types of surgical procedures available to ensure that the best results for each individual patient are achieved.
About Ram Kalus, MD, FACS
Dr. Ram Kalus earned his undergraduate degree and medical degree from Boston University. He has completed plastic surgery residencies at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and the Hospital for Sick Children in Paris, France. Dr. Kalus is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the South Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He has also been recognized as a pediatric specialist for plastic surgery by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Located at 578 Lone Tree Drive, Suite 102, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, Dr. Kalus and Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas can be contacted at (843) 881-3881. He can also be reached online via the website plasticsurgerycarolina.com or facebook.com/plasticsurgerycarolina.
###
Charleston plastic surgeon Dr. Ram Kalus recently made an appearance on the popular daytime talk show, The Doctors. Dr. Kalus says he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looks forward to similar ventures because of the chance to interact with other like-minded professionals and an audience interested in the world of plastic surgery.
Dr. Kalus joined Drs. Drew Ordon, Jim Sears, Lisa Masterson, the show’s moderator Dr. Travis Stork, as well as health guru Jillian Michaels for an informative and in-depth conversation on the aesthetic healthcare industry. “Joining a team of doctors on the show provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of plastic surgery and the benefits cosmetic enhancement can offer a number of people.”
Plastic Surgeon in Charleston on Surgery Options for After Breast Cancer
October is breast cancer awareness month, prompting Charleston, SC plastic surgeon Dr. Ram Kalus to not only discuss the importance of early diagnosis with his patients, but also what can be done once they beat a disease that will affect 1 in 8 women in the U. S.
Over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in the U. S. [1] According to statistics from breastcancer.org, 1 in 8 women in the U. S. will develop this disease over the course of her lifetime. [2] Ahead of breast cancer awareness month, Dr. Ram Kalus, a board certified plastic surgeon in South Carolina, says each October he focuses on breast cancer education to ensure his patients are not only aware of the need for self-examinations to ensure early detection of the disease, but are also aware of their options as they consider breast reconstruction in Charleston, SC.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) urges women to be proactive when it comes to their health by following an early detection plan. Such a plan includes routine breast self-exams, along with clinical breast exams and mammograms depending on age and health history. According to the NBCF, forming an early detection plan increases the chances for diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the body, which greatly improves the 5-year survival rate.
When a women is diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a number of choices to make once the initial shock of the diagnosis wanes. Dr. Kalus says nationalbreastcancer.org, and BeyondTheShock.com are both invaluable resources for women and loved ones that have been affected by the disease. However, he admits that one topic not commonly discussed is the aftermath of a woman’s battle with cancer, and the impact it can have on her sense of femininity.
Dr. Kalus says including a reconstructive plastic surgeon in the discussion as a treatment plan is developed for breast reconstruction can alleviate certain anxieties women may experience concerning the aesthetic impact of a procedure such as a mastectomy, thus allowing them to focus entirely on the healing process. “Facing the diagnosis of breast cancer can be one of the most challenging and emotionally difficult times in a woman’s life, regardless of her age. Permanent disfigurement does not have to be part of that battle. Breast reconstruction techniques today can potentially leave a woman appearing virtually normal, as if she never even had surgery. Being empowered with accurate and current information about treatment options is the first step in overcoming the emotional challenge of the diagnosis, and in defeating breast cancer itself.”
About Ram Kalus, MD, FACS
Dr. Ram Kalus earned his medical degree from Boston University. He then completed general surgery training, and his plastic surgery residencies at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the University of Massachusetts Medical Center among others. Dr. Kalus has written a number of medically-based articles, including one focused on breast reconstruction, titled “Rebuilding the Body and Self-Confidence.” He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kalus is also recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics for his dedication to pediatric plastic surgery and advocacy for children.
Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas is located at 578 Lone Tree Drive, Suite 102, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. The practice can be reached at (843) 881-3881, or found online at plasticsurgerycarolina.com or facebook.com/plasticsurgerycarolina.
[1] Early Detection Plan. National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Retrieved from nationalbreastcancer.org/edp/ on 9/29/2011
[2] U. S. Breast Cancer Statistics. BreastCancer.org. Retrieved from breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp on 9/29/2011
###
South Carolina Plastic Surgeon Discusses Breast Augmentation Statistics
More than 318,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2010, making it the most performed surgical cosmetic procedure. The latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) also finds that 62% of patients chose silicone breast implants. Charleston plastic surgeon Dr. Ram Kalus says these statistics are also reflected in the procedures he performs at his practice. “Breast augmentation is definitely the most common single procedure I now perform in my practice. We tend to see two populations of women: young women in their early twenties prior to having children, and women in the mid to late thirties after one or more pregnancies who may also need a lift procedure to correct sagging.”
With more than 9.3 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2010, the latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) finds that breast augmentation was the most popular surgical procedure. According to the same study, nearly 200,000 of the 318,000 breast augmentation procedure performed used silicone breast implants instead of saline implants. At his Charleston plastic surgery practice, Dr. Ram Kalus says his patients prefer silicone breast implants to saline at roughly the same rate. “I tell my patients that as a rule they can expect an equally pretty visual result if we use saline-filled or silicone-filled implants. The decision by the vast majority of my patients to opt for silicone over saline gets made when they hold each implant in their hands. The silicone implants simply feel more like a natural breast. The saline implant is a bit firmer and detectable to the hand.”
While speculation concerning the safety of silicone breast implants surfaced in the mid-90s, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed the safety and overall effectiveness of silicone implants after a 14-year period of extensive research. Dr. Kalus says in addition to addressing the safety concerns, the latest advancements in silicone gel also provide an improved aesthetic appearance and more natural feel. However, he adds that when performing breast augmentation in Charleston, each surgery is unique and requires an individualized approach to ensure the patient’s cosmetic enhancement expectations are met.
According to the same study from ASAPS, a majority of the U. S. population now approves of cosmetic enhancement. As popularity continues to grow, Dr. Kalus says he expects breast augmentation with silicone implants to remain one of the most popular forms of aesthetic enhancement. “I think there are a couple of reasons for the popularity of the procedure. First, after the FDA conclusion and announcement that silicone implants are entirely safe, women feel more confident and secure about seeking breast enhancement. Secondly, I try to achieve a very natural result which usually entails the use of smaller implant sizes than women are used to or expect.”
About Ram Kalus, MD, FACS
Dr. Ram Kalus earned his medical degree from Boston University. He then completed his plastic surgery residency and several plastic surgery fellowships, and was certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 1992. Dr. Kalus is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas is located at 578 Lone Tree Drive, Suite 102 Charleston, SC 29464, and can be reached at (843) 881-3881, or found online at plasticsurgerycarolina.com or facebook.com/plasticsurgerycarolina.
###
Receive a $250 American Express Gift Card from Mentor® for Upgrading Your Saline Breast Implants to Silicone
For many women who have had breast augmentation surgery, silicone implants offer a more natural feel and appearance than saline breast implants. And for women who have already had breast enlargement with saline implants, Mentor®, one of the largest and most reputable breast implant manufacturers in the world, is offering an incentive to make the switch from saline to silicone. Dr. Ram Kalus is participating in Mentor®’s Feel the Difference campaign, which offers a $250 American Express gift card to women who decide to make the switch from saline to silicone breast implants. Patients can use the gift card for anything they wish. The MemoryGel® silicone breast implant from Mentor® is FDA-approved and is a popular choice for women who want to increase the volume and fullness of their breasts with natural-looking results.
The Feel the Difference campaign is designed only for women who have already had breast augmentation with saline implants and would like to upgrade them to silicone. Along with a $250 American Express gift card, patients who make the exchange will receive an additional $50 gift card for each friend they refer to the program.
The special offer ends August 31, 2011 and patients will receive their card once the procedure is complete.
For more information on Mentor®’s Feel the Difference campaign, contact Dr. Kalus today.
Dr. Kalus Announces the Move of his Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas Practice
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ram Kalus focuses on providing his South Carolina patients a range of plastic surgery procedures. Following a move that allowed him to focus exclusively on the needs of his Charleston plastic surgery patients, he is announcing the permanent move to the second largest city in South Carolina because it is a better fit for his family and practice.
Dr. Ram Kalus is announcing the move of his practice to Charleston, SC, with his new office located in Mount Pleasant. For the past several months, the board-certified South Carolina plastic surgeon has been operating out of two offices in Columbia and Mount Pleasant; however, he says he has decided to permanently move his practice because Charleston is a better fit for his family, his staff, and his patients. He adds that after twenty one years in Columbia he had the privilege of caring for patients from across the Carolinas, and he feels the move to Charleston will provide exciting new opportunities for him and his family.
At his Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas practice, Dr. Kalus offers a suite of procedures ranging from breast augmentation and reconstruction to aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery to BOTOX injections®. While he enjoyed the experience of working with patients from two office locations in South Carolina, he believes providing his services from one main office will enable him to provide better care for his patients.
As Dr. Kalus prepares to leave the city of Columbia, he says he is grateful for his time there and appreciative of the continuing support from his patients. Ultimately, he says the decision to move his practice exclusively to Charleston comes down to creating the best opportunity for success in his professional and personal life. “My twenty plus years in Columbia have been terrific, rewarding, and enjoyable. Having vacationed for years in Charleston, we decided as a family to pursue this career and life change and my wife and boys are looking forward to the move with great excitement and anticipation.”
About Dr. Kalus
Dr. Ram Kalus earned his medical degree from Boston University. He then completed a plastic surgery fellowship at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, a residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, and Craniofacial and an Aesthetic Surgery fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Paris, France. Dr. Kalus is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a pediatric plastic surgery specialist.
The Charleston office of Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas is located at 578 Lone Tree Dr. Suite 102 in Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, and can be reached at (843) 881-3881, or found online at plasticsurgerycarolina.com or the Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas Facebook page.
###
Ram Kalus, M.D. met with the Columbia Star to discuss one of his patients’ experiences with breast reconstruction after breast cancer removal.
Click here to read the full article.
Dr. Kalus Implements Innovative Breast Augmentation Gallery
For Dr. Ram Kalus, a board-certified plastic surgeon in South Carolina, pursuing cutting-edge technology at his Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas practice is extremely important. Dr. Kalus says the latest implementation of the innovative “What Size Should I Be?” before-and-after gallery can help his current and potential patients determine the appropriate breast implant size when considering a procedure such as breast augmentation or the mommy makeover.
At his South Carolina plastic surgery practice, Ram Kalus, MD, FACS, says he tirelessly pursues the latest advancements in the cosmetic enhancement industry because it further improves his ability to provide patients with optimal results. He says the latest example of this dedication is seen in the implementation of an interactive before-and-after gallery in which patients can begin to determine the appropriate implant size when considering breast augmentation, called “What Size Should I Be?”
While Dr. Kalus says the best treatment plan for each patient will ultimately be determined following the in-office consultation, this innovative gallery can provide potential patients with the necessary tools to determine the correct cosmetic enhancement plan. He adds that one of the most common questions he receives from patients concerns the best implant size for their body. By entering their current cup size, height, and weight, patients are able to search through before-and-after photos of some of Dr. Kalus’ breast augmentation patients, which he says can provide an informative glimpse at potential cosmetic surgery results.
Dr. Kalus says he constantly strives for the latest cosmetic surgery advancements because technology plays an integral role in the safety and effectiveness of each procedure performed at his Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas practice, regardless of whether he is performing a breast augmentation, tummy tuck or mommy makeover. He adds that when patients utilize the interactive software, they enter his office better educated and more confident about the procedure they are considering. And in the end, Dr. Kalus says confidence in their cosmetic enhancement decision can make all the difference.
About Dr. Kalus
Ram Kalus, MD, FACS, earned his medical degree from Boston University. He then completed his plastic surgical training at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the U. S., and in Paris, France. Dr. Kalus is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the South Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is affiliated with several local hospitals and surgical facilities, including the Palmetto Health Baptist Medical Center and the Palmetto Health-Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, and East Cooper Hospital in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Dr. Kalus is also recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a specialist with a lifelong commitment to treating children with birth defects, birthmarks, burns, and trauma, and is available for pediatric and adolescent plastic surgery consultations.
Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas is located in Charleston, SC. The office is located at 578 Lone Tree Dr. Suite 102 in Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, and can be reached at (843) 881-3881. Dr. Kalus and his team can also be found online at www.plasticsurgerycarolina.com, or the Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas Facebook page.
###
