Plastic surgery bits and pieces: roundup

Some items that have come across my desk recently:

Optimism not linked to higher surgery satisfaction. Whatever happened to the power of positive thinking? Although this facial plastic surgeon's study didn't find any connection, anecdotally, looking at all the patients I've had the privilege of taking care of throughout my career, the ones with good attitudes seemed to bounce back more quickly and do better after their operations.

Forget Botox. Floss your teeth. Well, I wouldn't throw out the Botox just yet, but I have to agree that dental hygiene is pretty important. Not just for your health, but yes, for your looks. All those folks on shows like Extreme Makeover? Some of the dental restorations were absolutely transformative - I was impressed by what a difference a beautiful smile made. I think the lesson here is to take care of yourself; otherwise, all the plastic surgery in the world won't matter.

Joan Rivers talks about plastic surgery... I have to admit, I was a big fan of her catty comments on the red carpet. It's also refreshing to hear a celebrity talk openly about plastic surgery, whether you personally appreciate the results or not.

Cougar cosmetic surgery on the rise... Perhaps a tabloid is not exactly a reference you'd include in the footnotes for your highbrow academic medical paper, but this little bit is interesting, nonetheless. Best part of the piece? The photo/caption: that's no physician performing a cosmetic procedure; that's the anesthesiologist intubating the patient. Nice work, guys.

How the other half heals. Not everything in my world is about plastic surgery - I'm always fascinated by the stories and thoughts of other physicians (right now, I'm working on finishing Atul Gawande's latest book, The Checklist Manifesto), and Teri Reynolds' piece is exceptionally articulate and thoughtful, if you get a chance to pick up this month's issue of Harper's.