Talk about a transformation! Did you recognize Jennifer Holliday on this week's American Idol finale? Known for her Tony-winning role as Effie White in Dreamgirls, the once 400lb singer looked radiant inside and out while belting out her signature song with Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez.

Holliday had some serious lows after the highs of Dreamgirls fame. Though her weight was an asset for the "too fat for TV" role of Effie, it limited the rest of her life. So, she decided to have gastric bypass.

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If there's a holiday RealSelf should definitely celebrate, it's National Sunscreen Day on May 27. Anytime someone asks our doctor community how to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging, their #1 tip is to wear sunscreen daily.

Unfortunately avoiding UV damage isn't always as simple as "my moisturizer has SPF 15." To help you avoid the risks of too much exposure, we turned to dermatologist Dr. Susan Van Dyke and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) to bring you these 7 facts about proper sun protection.

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The injectable filler Macrolane has been banned for breast enhancement in the UK. Once making headlines as the "Lunchtime Boob Job" or the "Boob Jab", there was a lot of excitement about this non-surgical breast enlargement. Now health and safety concerns have prompted officials to revoke approval of the procedure.

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If you're looking for a non-surgical way to rejuvenate your face, the options can be overwhelming. You have to consider price, pain, recovery, etc., and on top of that, sift through the marketing jargon for all of the devices.

But there's one factor that's tough to research: which procedure will take the most years off your appearance?

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We love keeping you up-to-date with the latest and greatest stories from our community and industry, which is why we're thrilled to announce the release of the inaugural RealSelf.com Medi-Beauty Trend Report.

This seasonal report sheds light on what’s hot and what’s not in the $20 billion world of prescription-strength beauty. Insights are uncovered based on millions of searches performed on our site each month, combined with insider information from community members who have had procedures done, and the expert doctors who perform them.

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Browsing through RealSelf reviews, you’ll see a lot of patients referring to their doctors not just as surgeons, but artists. With that in mind, it’s not that much of a leap to turn plastic surgery into literal art – you know, the kind of art you hang in a museum or gallery. That’s precisely what photographer Phil Toledano, perhaps better known simply as Mr. Toledano, did in his collection “A New Kind of Beauty”.

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Tonight RealSelf is hosting our second "Doc Talk" Live Chat -- this time it's all about the Mommy Makeover.

We've written a lot about Mommy Makeovers recently, so we'll keep this short:

Led by Seattle plastic surgeon Dr. Shahram Salemy, tonight's webinar will discuss the ins and outs of this increasingly popular procedure. Learn who is the best candidate, what surgeries are involved, and what to expect during recovery.

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Today the preferred method of hair restoration is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) -- a process in which thousands of grafts --  each containing a follicular unit -- are individually transplanted from the back or sides of the head to the balding area.

But what if someone is balding in front, and only has thin and sparse hair on the rest of their head? A large amount of grafting may be too noticeable on the donor site, and/or not provide substantial coverage in the bald areas.

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Mothers give so much to their kids -- time, energy, love, and sometimes, their once-taut figure. So in honor of Mother's Day we want to showcase one of the photo galleries that always makes jaws drop in our office: Mommy Makeovers.

When you look at these pictures, it's easy to see why this is the 3rd highest-rated procedure of over 250 on the site.

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In case you don't spend all your time following the happenings of the plastic surgery world, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has created a lovely news wrap-up of some of this year's top stories.

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Many women who struggle with weight gain and body distortion after childbirth are turning to surgery to get their pre-baby bodies when diet and exercise aren't enough. The increasingly popular "mommy makeovers" typically include a tummy tuck and breast implants and/or lift. As media pressure increases to go from baby bump to bombshell almost immediately, some moms are scheduling this procedure not long after childbirth -- but is it safe?

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It's only just become commonplace enough to be the subject of talk shows, but variations of what we now call plastic surgery have been around for centuries.

Did you know that in ancient India, a doctor used part of the cheek to reconstruct the chopped off noses of ex-criminals? Rhinoplasty has come a long way...

Look back in time with this infographic of the ancient origins of plastic surgery:

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When someone asked the RealSelf doctors about the possibility stem cell breast reconstruction, many said that it was a very distant and uncertain reality. Fast forward 3 years and actress Suzanne Somers is now the happy face of this treatment -- which has so far been successful for her.

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During pregnancy, women gain weight and experience a slew of skin and hair changes -- all things that could make a non-pregnant woman run to the nearest salon or medi-spa. But with baby-safety in mind, women are not supposed to dye their hair, get mani/pedis, or any other chemical-based cosmetic treatment.

Thankfully plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Jeneby has created a solution for one of these issues. It's a vitamin C-based facial peel, and it has become increasingly popular for expecting Texans.

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“If I don't get Smart lipo does that mean I'm dumb? If my surgeon recommends Slim lipo does that mean he/she isn't a "Pro"? It truly is a ridiculous situation we have come to with regard to liposuction and the number of people trying to cash in on America's desire to be rid of its collective fat,” says plastic surgeon Dr. Armando Soto.

With so many forms of liposuction on the market, how do you know which procedure is the right one for you? Here are 5 important things to keep in mind when choosing a liposuction procedure:

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The beauty industry has been abuzz since Cellulaze was FDA approved in February as the latest cellulite-fighting procedure. It had a full-page feature in Marie Claire magazine, and has been featured on The Doctors and news programs on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX.

But no matter how drastic the results, it's hard to believe what you see and hear from a talk-show patient on a segment that looks suspiciously pay-for-play. So, we've rounded up comments from the Cellulaze reviews on RealSelf so you can see what everyday people who spent their own money have to say about it (hint: so far, 100% say the procedure is Worth It).

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Ultherapy was one of the fastest growing procedures on RealSelf last year. But what is it, and why is there such an interest? Here's a round-up of all you need to know about this latest trend in skin rejuvenation.

Dr. Michael A. Persky of Los Angeles gives a thorough explanation: “Ultherapy… is the only FDA approved device for both tightening and lifting of the muscles and skin of the face and neck… [it] uses ultrasound to heat the muscles and skin to create both deep and superficial collagen production.”

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It seems there's good news on the horizon for the hundreds of thousands of breast cancer sufferers out there. Research at two separate universities is giving breast implants a bigger vision. Instead of merely plumping our busts, there will be implants designed with a whole new triple-D in mind: detect, deter, and destroy cancer cells.

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What was the most common cosmetic procedure of 2011? Has it changed since 2010? Were patients happy with the results? Click through to find out in an infographic from Aristocrat Plastic Surgery and Medspa.

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It looks like a thick Band-Aid, but ScarAway is a silicone scar sheet.

According to manufacturers, this sheet is supposed to “minimize formation of new scars and shrink, flatten, and fades new and old scars.”  Well, I’m not the world’s most graceful person (except when I’m flying), which means I certainly have more than my fair share of scars.

So, I put the sheet to the test to see if ScarAway lives up to its promise.

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For most women, the decision to get breast implants is a personal one. Of course, if you have a spouse or significant other, their opinion is likely to matter to you. But should you also worry about what your kids think?

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Botox turned 10 years old on April 15th. Or rather, the FDA approval for cosmetic use had its 10 year anniversary. However you want to look at it, this injectable, reverser-of-time has transformed the medi-beauty industry. The number of Botox procedures has jumped 67% since 2002, according to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. And 6.4 out of 10 reviewers say it's worth a shot.

In honor of this occasion, the folks over at In Your Face, a column for the Orange County Register, created an in-depth timeline of the origins of Botox. From being discovered in spoiled sausages to inhabiting the faces of huge Hollywood stars, it has come a long way.

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Forget Advil – plastic surgery may be the way to alleviate your chronic migraines. 10% of Americans, most of whom are women, suffer from migraines. Though many will turn to a number of treatments to get rid of the pain, prescriptions and therapies don’t work for everyone. Now doctors are recommending eyelid surgery to patients who have exhausted other options in managing their migraines.

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Despite what plastic surgery critics might think, most women who opt to go under the knife are NOT trying to mold themselves into a human Barbie.

Except this girl.

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Normally when you think varicose veins, one might assume those suffering this condition are overweight, non-active individuals.  But, how about a former Olympic Gold medalist?  TV commentator and world-renowned swimmer, Summer Sanders recently sat down with us to discuss her plight with the condition - as well as her new role to create awareness in treating this ailment.

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Everybody knows that recycling is good for the planet. In honor of Earth Day, we're helping you contribute to the cause, with a look at an “environmentally friendly” cosmetic procedure: fat transfer. This means you can reduce your tummy and reuse that unwanted fat to sculpt your butt or plump your lips.

Skeptical? Have a look at these amazing before-and-after photos from a few of the many aesthetic doctors who help make the world a better (er, more beautiful?) place by recycling fat.

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The ability to remain anonymous inspires many questions on RealSelf that may be embarrassing to ask in the doctor's office. So, in honor of the unofficial holiday that is 4/20, we've rounded up some interesting Q&As for those that occasionally indulge in the use of Mary Jane.

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If you've been subscribing to the notion that a girl needs her beauty sleep, you may want to reconsider. Apparently, your visits to dreamland could be giving you wrinkles.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that sleeping in certain positions—on your side or face-down in the pillow—causes “sleep lines” on your face and neck. After many nights of slumbering in the same position, they can become permanent. Sleeping on your side can also wrinkle your chest. Whatever you call them (“boob lines,” anyone?), they're just as unsightly.

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What’s the best part about going through the hassle of filing your taxes? That beautiful tax return. The estimated average tax refund for 2012 is $2,899. That’s a nice, big amount for something most people view as a bonus check. If you’re considering treating yourself to a cosmetic treatment with that tax refund, here are a few procedures that may suddenly be in your price range.

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From 2010 to 2011, chin liposuction searches on RealSelf were up 22%. Combined searches for all procedures that help chisel the chin and slim the neck have risen 14%.

The highest search increases were seen in...

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