Cosmetic-Surgery D2B

SmartLipo - Modern Liposuction Surgery

2008-11-11T07:15:00.000-08:00

By Christine Cilano

Most men and women want to look young and attractive. But many of them have those stubborn areas of fat that just won't go away, even with a healthy diet and a steady exercise routine. Liposuction is an effective procedure that eradicates excessive stubborn fat from specific areas of the body. A recent and exciting new development in liposuction surgery is SmartLipo - an innovative technique designed to permanently remove surplus fat cells. It does not just take out the fat, but also enhances body contour and tightens the skin.

Remove Excessive Fat Quickly

SmartLipo - This modern liposuction surgery helps patients lose a size or two with minimum incision and minimum downtime. While SmartLipo has some drawbacks, it wins over conventional liposuction methods in terms of safety and effectiveness. The treatment is non-invasive and often local anesthesia is enough to carry out this procedure. Recovery time is brief, with many patients returning to work in a few days. You are the best candidate for this treatment, if you are healthy and physically fit, but have trouble areas that don't respond to diet and exercise.

SmartLipo - An Innovative, Laser-Assisted Lipolysis

Approved by the FDA, SmartLipo is the only method that makes use of a dual platform laser MPX, which blends the properties of two wavelengths to melt fat and tighten skin. The operating surgeons are able to alternate between the two, depending on the skin quality and body type of the patient.

Choosing the right surgeon is an important part of the overall process of undergoing SmartLipo treatment. With SmartLipo, the modern liposuction surgery, you will experience far greater results than with any other traditional liposuction method.

At Park Avenue SmartLipo in New York City, the goal of our experienced Manhattan plastic surgeons is to provide our patients with the highest level of SmartLipo treatments and medical care at our AAASF accredited center.

Options in Tear Trough Facial Deformity Correction

2008-11-10T12:29:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

A tear trough deformity is a deep indentation between the eye and the nose. Technically known as the nasojugal fold, this natural indentation becomes very noticeable if it gets too deep. Some people have tear troughs naturally, while others develop them with aging. Either way, it creates a dark shadow which is cosmetically distracting.

Treatment of the deep tear trough requires adding something between the skin and the underlying bone. Injectable fillers are one easy option which are safe although they are not permanent. The best choice for this area are injectable fillers made of hyaluronic acid or collagen because they flow in smoothly and less likely to be lumpy or irregular. Longer lasting fillers seem like a good idea but they are more prone to unevenness and potential lumpiness. The injections can easily be done in the office but there is a significant risk of bruising due to the large number of blood vessels in this area. I tell patients that about half the time, despite my best efforts, one side will get some bruising. While injectable fillers are quick and easy (at least for the doctor), in the long-term I don't find them satisfying because it is just a temporary fix for the problem.

Injecting fat works similar to the synthetic injectable fillers from a conceptual standpoint. It can fill out the depression. Fat, however, requires a harvest site, a method for concentration, and must be done in a sterile manner to avoid infection. For these reasons, fat injections are not usually an office procedure. They might be an option if one was going to the operating room anyway for other procedures. Then this 'natural' injection method makes better economic sense. The thinness of the skin in the tear trough area is extremely thin, however, so any irregularities from the injected fat may be seen also. The biggest issue with injected fat, however, is that it is unpredictable. No one can tell you how much or if any will survive long-term.

Placement of specially-shaped synthetic implants is another option which does offer permanency of the result. Placed through the mouth and secured to the bone with a small screw, implants provide excellent fullness that will have a smooth outer skin appearance. The key is not to place too big of an implant which may look unnatural. Tear trough implants are a good option if one is having surgery for other facial areas. Then the cost and exposure to anesthesia more than justifies this approach. Implants can always get infected but I have yet to see one in this area of the face do so in a cosmetic patient.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com

Laser Skin Resurfacing Says Goodbye to Damaged and Wrinkled Skin

2008-11-07T23:47:00.001-08:00

By Lloyd Krieger

Laser skin resurfacing is a type of skin rejuvenation procedure that has both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. Just as the name suggests, laser skin resurfacing makes use of a special laser that is used to eliminate skin that is damaged or wrinkled, treating the skin layer by layer.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that is most often used to remove fine lines and wrinkles that have appeared around the eyes and mouth. It is also successful at removing superficial wrinkles on the forehead and cheeks. Skin that has a weathered look can also be effectively treated with laser skin resurfacing. Any number of benign skin lesions can be lessened and eliminated all together thanks to the work of laser skin resurfacing.

This type of procedure can also help to reduce and/or soften the appearance of scars on the face (such as those caused from acne, diseases such as chicken pox, and scars due to traumatic events) and improve areas where there is uneven pigmentation. Skin that has been damaged due to the sun will respond well to this type of skin procedure as well.

It is important for anyone considering laser skin resurfacing to be aware of the fact that this procedure is not geared towards wrinkles that are deeply engrained in the skin's surface. The treatment may help these wrinkles somewhat, but it will not make eliminate them completely.

Medical Conditions that Benefit From This Procedure

There are some medical conditions that will show improvement after laser skin resurfacing is undertaken. These include:

-Chronic actinic cheilitis

-Angiokeratomas

-Cutaneous lesions

-Balanitis xerotica obliterans

-Erythroplasia of Queyrat

-Hailey-Hailey disease (benign familial pemphigus)

-Lupoid cutaneous leishmaniasis

-Rhinophyma (which is caused by an extreme case of acne rosacea)

The Consultation Stage for Laser Skin Surgery

It is essential that you explain to the plastic surgeon what skin improvement you are seeking when it comes to CO2 treatment (another name for laser skin resurfacing). The results will not be the same for everyone. The procedure can be performed on the entire face or for spot treatments. Some patients choose to have laser skin resurfacing done at the same time that they are having another form of surgery on their face, while others opt for singular treatment. This decision is up to you and is dependent on the problems you are experiencing with your skin.

The surgeon will review your medical history with you, as well as take a close look at your skin and the pigmentation of your face in order to decide if you would benefit from laser skin resurfacing. It is vital that you tell the doctor any pertinent information that is related to your skin, such as sun sensitivity, if you have ever had any viral skin infections, or what skin treatments you have had in the past six months (such as chemical peels, Accutane treatments or microdermabrasion).

Individuals who are presently suffering from skin inflammation due to acne are not good candidates for this type of procedure. People who have been using Accutane for a period of six months to a year would be better off considering other types of skin resurfacing procedures, such as peels and even then only until well after the treatment with that medicine has ended. Those who are prone to keloids should avoid laser skin resurfacing. People who have dark complexions, such as those that are olive in appearance, are more likely than people with lighter complexions to develop hyperpigmentation as a consequence of laser skin surgery.

Innovative Nature of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The laser used in CO2 treatments is a carbon dioxide laser that is considered to be an innovative, exciting advancement is cosmetic surgery. During the procedure, the water found in the top layer of the skin is heated, which prompts peeling when a gentle rubbing motion is applied to it. The skin will be red afterwards and crusting can take place if the patient does not keep the area moist by applying the proper dressings and ointment to the area.

It is essential for a patient to follow instructions from their Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon in order to allow healing to take place following laser skin resurfacing. If you experience any problems afterwards, do not hesitate to get in touch with the office for assistance.

Lloyd M. Krieger, MD is a plastic surgeon and founder of Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. More information is available on procedures such as and rhinoplasty in Los Angeles.

Cosmetic Surgery - What to Get and When

2008-11-07T23:46:00.002-08:00

By James P Wilkinson

The rate at which our skin appears to age can be influenced by many factors and depending on this we will need to take certain precautions and be aware of the right time to opt for a particular procedure whether it be non surgical - such as Botox injections - or surgical - such as facelift surgery.

Believe it or not 90-95% of what we perceive to be aging of our skin is actually sun damage which has been programmed into our skin from an early age onwards. If you do not protect your skin from the sun's rays (even in winter) you will unfortunately accelerate the "aging" of your skin. For those of you with a penchant for sunbeds there is little hope of staying young and fresh faced without a major reversal technique, whether this be non surgical such as an acid peel or by going under the surgeons' knife and having a facelift to iron out those creases.

If you look after you skin then you shouldn't need to think about anti-aging products until you are in your mid twenties. At this point you can start to consider certain products to ward off the advances of time - remember; prevention is better than cure - by your late twenties you may want to consider Botox to tackle any expression lines on the forehead or between the eyes (and those pesky crows feet) and stop those from becoming deepened wrinkles which are more difficult to do anything about.

In your early thirties you may find Naso-Labial lines appearing (although these may start appearing in your twenties) these creases - stemming from the nose and stretching down to the side of the mouth - can be treated temporarily by making use of dermal fillers to plump them out. Some cosmetic surgery practices are now using a new type of injection that contains poly-L-lactic acid which stimulates the skins production of collagen in order to plump up the lines naturally from within.

Once you get into your forties and are heading for your fifties you may want to consider a small tweak in the form of a facelift in order to tighten the skin and give you back a more youthful face. Along with this you could opt for lower eye bag removal surgery (Blepharoplasty) if you suffer from fatty deposits under the eyes.

Things to consider in terms of preparing for your skins future health are as follows:

• Quit smoking as this robs your skin of precious moisture and quickens the aging process vastly.

• Protect your skin with a minimum sun factor protection 15 throughout the year, increasing this when you exposed to stronger sun.

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated as dry skin is less protected and ages faster.

• Eat plenty of green veg and dark fruits to get your fill of antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals.

Follow these tips and consider the above options should you need them. Remember - everyone ages at a different rate depending on how well they look after their skin and as a result of their genetic programming so you may not need to consider non-surgical or surgical procedures until later in life. How long you stay looking good for is very much in your hands!

If you are considering cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK such as facelift surgery you should seek an accredited surgeon who is registered with BAPRAS or BAAPS to ensure this plastic surgery runs smoothly.

Understanding Scars From Body Contouring Surgery

2008-11-07T23:46:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Body contouring surgery usually involves the removal of large segments of excess skin and fat after considerable weight loss. Such radical resection usually occurs from tummy tucks, body lifts, and thigh lifts. Lesser segments of skin and fat are removed in breast lifts, arm lifts, and back lifts. No matter what the area of resection, the outcomes from these procedures is often dramatic. Such major body changes, however, come at a price...that of long scars.

Most extreme weight loss patients gladly accept this scar trade-off and are usually well aware of it. They typically consider the scars a far better alternative to loose hanging skin. Few would quibble with that approach given the medical and aesthetic problems that all that loose skin can cause.

But scarring is a process that takes time to get to its optimal appearance, often up to a year after surgery. Understanding the healing of these long incisions and the maturation of the resulting scar is helpful as the patient watches closely as this process evolves.

For a short time after surgery, incisions must heal before they can be truly called a scar. There are many dissolveable sutures used to hold these incisions together underneath the skin. While they will eventually dissolve, it takes a long time to do so. Many times some of these sutures will 'spit' or come through the skin because they are so close to it. The body does this because it recognizes them as foreign and wants them out. This never occurs before three weeks after surgery but may occur for several months thereafter. This is not abnormal and most body contouring patients will experience this nuisance problem. It can be frustrating because the incision looks so great initially and then develops these problem areas. Many patients think this is an infection but it is nothing more than the body getting rid of these sutures. After about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, this process is pretty much over.

Once the incision starts to heal, the resulting scar will change color. Up to about 3 weeks after surgery, the incision looks fantastic...basically because it hasn't really started to heal yet. Once this healing process starts, blood vessels grow into the incision and it turns red. This is distressing to some patients as they think something is wrong. When in fact this is normal and is part of the process that allows the skin to knit back together and get as strong as it was before the surgery. (a process that takes up to 9 months or so after surgery) The scar will remain red until the strength of the skin from the healing process is normal. As a result, the red color of a scar may not have gone away for up to a year after surgery. This is called scar maturation and is a long process.

A New Face, Mister Bond? - Facial Cosmetic Surgery

2008-11-07T10:25:00.001-08:00

By Nicholas James

A master-criminal, hell bent on bringing about global destruction, sits in his high-backed leather chair, a maniacal laugh ringing throughout his dimly lit office, the centre of his worldwide operations. He swivels slowly around in his chair to face upon the debonair spy's face.

"So, Mister Bond. Our paths cross once again. But this time I have the advantage over you. Tell me, do you really not recognise me with my new face?"

The concept of a brand new face might once have seemed entirely in the realms of a James Bond film, but nowadays it isn't such a fantastical notion.

No longer seen as a red flag of vanity practiced under cloak and dagger conditions upon those travelling the glitter-dusted path of the rich and fame-hungry celebrity set; more and more people see no shame in having had some form of facial cosmetic surgery carried out. Unless, of course, you name happens to be Michael Jackson.

But joking aside, the possibilities now exist to completely change the facial appearance of anybody who has the money to pay for it.

Nowadays there are so many different procedures and combinations that can be carried out, from the subtle, such as eyelid reduction (canthoplasty), to one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery out there, the facelift (rhytidectory); that it is more and more and common for people from all walks of life to have work done and tell their friends and family about it. This is testament to the newfound status of social acceptability that the plastic surgery industry now enjoys.

As the face is generally the first thing that people notice when they meet, it is no surprise that in a world obsessed by people's perception of beauty these facial procedures have become so popular. As mentioned above, a rhytidectory, or the facelift - along with liposuction and breast enlargement - is the most requested form of plastic surgery there is. It involves the removal and smoothing of the excess skin that causes wrinkles and the appearance of aging in the face. Sometimes the underlying tissue is also tightened to enhance the overall effect.

Rhinoplasty, or the 'nose job', involves the reshaping of the nose. This, unlike a facelift can be for either aesthetic or reconstructive reasons. The look of the nose is usually altered by the manipulation of the cartilage or in some cases bone taken from another part of the body, usually the ribs. It has long been the favourite of the Hollywood star and those in the public eye looking to correct what they see as imperfections.

Facelifts and nosejobs are the easily the best known of all the facial cosmetic surgery procedures, due largely to their prevalence amongst the showbiz set. In these cases it is generally accepted that they're solely for aesthetic - or vanity - reasons.

But it doesn't end there. There are surgical procedures for every conceivable aspect of the face. These include blepharoplasty, which is the removal of the fat, the excess muscle, and the skin that cause unsightly bags under the eyes. There's otoplasty, which is the reshaping or correction of protruding ears. Chin augmentation, where, as with the breast, implants are used to structure and create a stronger chin. It also works in the converse with a chin reduction. Both are often carried out in conjunction with rhinoplasty to maintain the aesthetic balance of the facial structure.

So the next time you find your plans for world domination have been narrowly averted by an interfering British spy with ready access to a devastating arsenal of off-the-cuff one-liners; there's no need to worry about what your work colleagues may think of you come Monday morning. Modern facial surgery procedures mean that should you wish you can change your appearance and return to the day job with your head - and face - held high.

For more information on plastic, reconstructive, facial, and reductive surgery, check out the website of Chien C Kat, a female plastic surgeon practicing plastic surgery in the UK.

Nick James is a web writer specialising in articles and web content.

Cosmetic Surgery Options For Women Who Are Curious

2008-11-07T10:24:00.004-08:00

By Elisa Cruz

Each woman who looks in the mirror each morning looks at something differently. Obviously, each woman is physically different, but the main difference here is in regard to the self esteem that a woman has. Some women are very happy with how they look, while others wish that they could have something changed about their appearance.

For these women, cosmetic surgery becomes a real possibility. Basically, cosmetic surgery involves various procedures that are meant to augment or minimize certain areas of a body. One of the most common kinds of cosmetic surgery is rhinoplasty. While this procedure is often done on people who actually have sinus problems, it is also done on people who think their noise is too large for their face.

Yet another example of cosmetic surgery is breast augmentation. Many women feel rather uncomfortable about their small busts, and thus elect to get silicone implants to give their breasts more firmness and shape. Some people also elect to get buttock implants for the same reason.

No matter what kind of cosmetic surgery a person gets, it is very important to make sure that they have the proper financial funds. Most doctors will have reasonable payment plans, that will allow the person to pay in installments. Also, the person will have to allow for the amount of time that will be needed for recuperation, so vacation time from work will be required. It will take a significant amount of planning and patience, but the results and the improved self esteem make it all definitely worth it.

More information on Liposuction and a cosmetic surgery center in your area is just a click away.

Understanding the Tear Trough Cosmetic Problem

2008-11-07T10:24:00.003-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

The tear trough facial deformity is an area of frequent confusion. Some patients think they have this problem and don't know what to call it, while others think they have it and it is really another type of facial problem. Because the cheek and eyelid areas are adjacent to each and bone from area can impact the shape of the other, it is important to clearly define what the tear trough deformity is...and isn't. Treatment methods will, of course, differ based on the anatomy of the problem which is why clarification is more than just a semantic issue.

Tear troughs are refer to a sunken in or hollowed out area below the eye. One must determine what anatomic area is sunken in, whether it be at the eyelid, orbital rim, or out in the cheek area. Sometimes it can even be all three together.

Hollowness below the eyelid (put your finger in the area, if you feel bone then you are on the lower rim of the eye socket) is most typically caused by sagging of the cheek tissues, known as midface descent, or inadequate development of the bone of the upper cheek, known as midface hypoplasia. The patient's age is usually a key element in determining the cause of this 'bone' problem. A younger patient most likely has cheek/orbital rim bone underdevelopment, an older patient more likely has midface descent. Some older patients, however, may have both.

Hollowness above the bone (if you push and feel no bone or slide over the rim of the bone), then the defect is in the eyelid area. This is not a bone problem but a reflection of the amount of fat that surrounds the eye, otherwise known as orbital volume.

Neither of the aforementioned eyelid/orbital rim/cheek issues is a true tear trough deformity. When hollowness in the area between the rim of eye socket bone and the side of the nose exists, this is a true tear trough deformity. One can envision or see how tears would roll down this 'facial gutter'. Medically speaking, the tear trough is the nasojugal fold. a normal anatomic indentation for most people. But if it becomes aesthetically too deep, usually with aging, it is referred to as a tear trough depression. Such a depression near the eye contributes to a visible sign of aging.

It is easy to see how many confuse tear troughs, cheek/orbital rim hypoplasia, and decreased orbital volume. All affect the eye area but the treatments for each are quite different.

Injecting Youth - Facts Vs Fiction on Botox and Injectable Fillers

2008-11-07T10:24:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

The recent phenomenon and popularity of Botox and injectable fillers for quick temporary fixes of cosmetic facial concerns has led many to consider or have these treatments. Because of their prevalence throughout our society and the resultant marketing behind them, many patients are confused and have inaccurate information as to what these cosmetic treatments can and cannot due.

Botox is a muscle-paralyzing agent that helps diminish unwanted facial expressions. Botox is for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. (lines and wrinkles that form when we express ourselves. Most of Botox treatments are done for glabellar furrows (between the eyebrows), forehead lines, and crow's feet (around the eyes) wrinkles. Botox injections are quick to perform and leave no trace that they were done. It takes about one week for its effects to kick in so results are not instantaneous. Botox injections will last around 4 months for most people. With continued use over time, many patients report that Botox lasts longer, often 6 months or greater in time.

Injectable fillers are synthetic plumping agents. Injectable fillers is for the treatment of either static wrinkling (lines and wrinkles that are present when we have no facial expression) or for lip enlargement. As of today, there are eleven (11) commercially-available injectable fillers to choose from which are manufactured form either collagen, hyaluronic acid, or beaded materials. While this number can make the right product selection difficult (and all the marketing hype from the manufacturers doesn't help), there is a simple way to cut through the clutter. All injectable fillers work, they mainly differ in how long they last and what they cost. The longer-lasting injectable fillers cost more. You basically are paying for how long you want it to last.

To find out many more details about Botox and injectable fillers, read the my new ebook entitled 'Injecting Youth - Changing The Face Of Plastic Surgery' available at http://www.wordclay.com.

Face the Facts - Insights on Cosmetic Facial Surgery

2008-11-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Cosmetic surgery of the face is more popular than ever. People are interested in looking more refreshed, less tired, and sometimes changing how their face looks regardless of their age. And people are doing it at a younger age than ever before. With the popularity of this type of facial surgery, comes the expected marketing promotions and hype particularly prevalent on the internet, magazines, and newspaper ads. What is real and what is hype?

Learn that a facelift does nothing much for most of the face. Eyelid tucks are the best value of all cosmetic facial surgeries. There are different ways to do browlifts, some which may lengthen or shorten your forehead. Nosejobs are done 'open' because the results are so much better. Cheek and chin implants are simple operations that can make a big difference. Thin lips may not always be made bigger by injectable fillers. Botox sometimes is better than surgery. Ear pinning doesn't involve any pins and it is easy to do. And much more....

These insights are given in greater depth and on many more facial cosmetic surgery procedures in the ebook entitled 'Face The Facts - An Inside Look At Plastic Surgery' available at http://www.wordclay.com. Get the perspective of a plastic surgeon who has been doing these facial procedures for years and learn what works, what doesn't, and how to spend your cosmetic dollar wisely. While hope lives eternal, having realistic expectations and knowing how to get the best bang for your dollar is what makes patients happy.

How to Become a Successful Candidate For a Tummy Tuck

2008-11-06T11:19:00.003-08:00

By Violet Williams

If you have ever belonged to a gym, you have no doubt noticed that there are four main groups of people. The first group is the fitness fanatics. These people have bodies of steel, and spend just as much time looking in the mirrors at themselves as they do exercising. Then there are the old people who are told that they have to exercise to make their joints more limber. There are the very obese people who try to exercise without success, and lastly, the average people who have been going to the gym for a while now, but still have a soft middle.

If you belong to this last category, then you are most likely an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure wherein a woman's excess fat is removed, and her excess skin and muscles tightened. Unfortunately, a tummy tuck has become the source of rumors swirling around Hollywood celebrities, but in reality, it has helped many women get their self esteem back.

Take, for example, the situation involving a woman who has had multiple pregnancies. Understandably, these pregnancies will result in weight gain, and weakened muscles. Thus, the midsection of a mother can become quite flabby. In order to be considered an optimal candidate for a tummy tuck, the woman needs to be within ten to twenty pounds of her ideal weight to begin with. Once the procedure is done, results will start becoming more and more noticeable, with optimal results obtained within a few months.

More information on tummy tuck and a plastic surgeon in your area is just a click away.

SmartLipo - Fat Removal With Minimal Downtime

2008-11-06T11:19:00.001-08:00

By Spero Theodorou

Gone are the days when one could only think of traditional options to lose weight and get in shape. Technological advancements have made things easier for those who are looking for safe and effective ways for fat reduction and body toning. Due to the promising results and pain free procedure, SmartLipo is at high demands nowadays. SmartLipo is considered to be the first and only laser-assisted lipolysis system that uses laser technology to melt away those stubborn fat cells from your body parts.

Good Procedure for Localized Fat Reduction

This revolutionary and minimally invasive procedure promises successful fat removal with minimal downtime and less side effects. The advantages of Smart Lipo over other liposuction methods are listed below.

• Very rapid results

• Tightens the skin around the treatment area

• Minimal discomfort

• Fast treatment time

• Rapid recovery, patients can return to regular activities within a few days

• Safer procedure than traditional liposuction

• Less risk of bleeding and bruising

Brings Lasting Results, Quickly and Painlessly

This fat treatment technique is a smarter choice for people who have excess body fat that will not respond to diet and exercise. Excess fat deposits can be removed from specific areas of the body including the chin, cheeks, neck, outer and inner thighs, upper arms, knees, buttocks, waist, and more. It can be performed under local anesthesia and require only one treatment session per area. Those people in good health with normal body weight, but who have specific areas of stubborn fat are eligible to undergo this procedure.

Though it is one of the safest cosmetic procedures than traditional liposuction; the complications involved are the same such as infection and bleeding. You should keep in mind that SmartLipo does not make you healthier, but its main aim is to beautify you and helping you improve your overall appearance.

Dr. Spero Theodorou is an experienced Manhattan plastic surgeon in New York City. As a leading New York City Smart Lipo surgeon, Doctor Spero Theodorou specializes in Smartlipo MPX treatments. Park Avenue Smart lipo is the first plastic surgery group in Manhattan to offer the latest Laser Body Sculpting technology from Cynosure.

Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer

2008-11-06T11:18:00.006-08:00

By Markus Bogusch

Many women have the desire for a bigger breast. The modern plastic surgery makes it possible. However, some people are afraid of the consequences. They are afraid because they have a foreign body in her breast. More and more popular, is a new method of breast enlargement by implantation of own fat. This method is used in Japan and the United States and is often used for breast enlargement. Many cosmetic surgeons abroad were always technically more developed than in Germany. Patients have a liposuction in legs or abdomen and the fat from there will be injected in the breast afterwards. In each breast can be 200 and 300 milliliters of adipose tissue injected. This method sounds for many women initially very well and is a good alternative to silicone implants. At the same time, even the unloved fat on legs or abdomen is removed. However, there are some problems with this method.

The biggest drawback of this method is the possibility of confusion with a tumor in mammography. After the injection with own fat there will be calcium deposits. These will look like tumors. Therefore, it is often a false alarm and cancer screening is much more difficult. When using silicone implants, this is not the case.

After breast augmentation with silicone implants there are no problems with cancer screening and the results are not disturbed.

Another disadvantage is the reduction of fat induced after a few years. The fat comes in the process of degradation and the breast looses volume. Because of that, the procedure has to be repeated some times and this results in new risks, pain and costs for the surgery.

Today, the silicone implants are so well developed that they can stand the test of time and this is even guaranteed by the manufacturer.

For more information visit our website. Our clients receive informations about plastic surgeries like facelifting liposuction, breast augmentation and body lifts in foreign countries and can save a lot of money.

Cosmetic Surgery Holidays Continued

2008-11-06T11:18:00.005-08:00

By James P Wilkinson

Cosmetic surgery operations abroad are becoming more and more common as people try to save money on the cosmetic surgery procedures they'd been planning before the credit crunch took hold.

For countries in the EU there are of course regulations which dictate the level of health and safety requirements and the standard of care that should be given to patients. But this does not mean that the surgeon is required to be a member of any governing body to ensure they carry out cosmetic surgery to the highest standard. This also does not mean that you will receive the standard of aftercare you would expect when using an accredited surgeon/hospital in the UK.

For surgery such as lap band placement or gastric bypass you would expect to pay up to £11,000 in the UK with a reputable firm and this should guarantee you receive the best quality care during and after the procedure. If you were to travel to a European country such as Turkey you may find this procedure priced for a tenth of this figure and, rather than thinking this is a bargain, you should ask yourself where the corners are being cut.

During any surgical procedure where you will be required to undergo a general anaesthetic there should be a highly trained and experienced anaesthetist present throughout the procedure. An anaesthetist of course costs money and you may find that they will not be present during the intermediate stages of your procedure.

Providing post operative care during your recovery is also costly and you may find that there is only a minimal level provided when opting for such a cheap package. It is easy to think that the extra money you can expect to pay in the UK is simply profit for the company arranging the surgery but you have to remember that there is profit in it for the company you use when travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery. There is of course then little money left over to pay for your care during and after the procedure.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK such as lap band surgery you should seek an accredited surgeon who is registered with BAPRAS or BAAPS to ensure this weight loss surgery runs smoothly.

Cosmetic Surgery and the Pink Pound

2008-11-06T11:18:00.003-08:00

By James P Wilkinson

While our American counterparts may be resisting the urge to opt for cosmetic surgery - resulting in a slow down for 60% of US cosmetic surgeons - it seems that a new sector of society is opting for surgery and this it seems will see UK surgeons through the recession.

A recent survey in a well known magazine showed that almost a quarter of gay men had undergone plastic surgery (22%) and a further 69% would consider it. The money this brings in, or the pink pound as it has been nicknamed, has gone some way to making up for the dip caused by the credit crunch.

It appears that men in general are increasingly opting for cosmetic surgery which has resulted in a 20% increase in the last 5 years. Procedures such as nose surgery, male breast reduction and tummy tucks have all become increasingly popular.

It doesn't just stop there, business men in particular have taken to opting for non surgical fillers and Botox in an effort to continue appearing younger for longer which some see to be a sign of success.

A large percentage of the men who opt for cosmetic surgery are of course gay and there is apparently a greater emphasis placed on looking good in the gay community. Surprisingly Gay men are thought to earn £5203 over the national average which of course gives them greater spending power.

It has been noted that many gay men have at some stage in their lives been bullied which may result in them being less confident about their appearance. Whatever the reason it appears that gay men see their appearance as very important and will do whatever it takes to keep looking fresh faced and youthful.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK such as weight loss surgery you should seek an accredited surgeon who is registered with BAPRAS or BAAPS to ensure this plastic surgery runs smoothly.

What Can Rhinoplasty Do For Me?

2008-11-06T11:18:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

An attractive nose is a nose that fits your face. It is a natural-looking nose that achieves a harmonious balance with your other facial features. If you feel that your nose is not a good fit, you may benefit from cosmetic surgery of the nose.

Cosmetic surgery of the nose, technically called rhinoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure to improve the appearance of the nose. You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty of you have any of the following conditions:

- Your nose appears too large for your face

- There is a bump or depression on the bridge of the nose when seen in profile

- The nose seems too wide when seen from the front

- The middle part of the nose looks pinched

- The tip of the nose droops down

- The tip of the nose is thick and wide

- Your nostrils flair too much

- Your nose is crooked or off-center

- You have had a nasal injury or fracture which makes your nose look asymmetric

- You have trouble breathing through your nose.

Rhinoplasty can be performed on men and women of almost any age. I usually don't like to do rhinoplasty until someone is past puberty...about age 13 or 14 for girls and about 14 or 15 for boys. There is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty. It can be done at ages 70 or 80!

Rhinoplasty can be done for cosmetic purposes only or done in conjunction with surgery to correct internal breathing problems as well. Simultaneously correcting breathing problems causes a longer recovery after rhinoplasty with more nasal stuffiness. In some cases, health insurance may cover the costs of the breathing part of the procedure.

Different Cheek Implants For Different Problems

2008-11-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

The cheek area is a central and critical element of one's facial appearance. Situated between the pyramidal landmarks of the eye, mouth, and jaw angle, its prominence (or lack thereof) provides projection to the middle of the face. In today's society, the perception of high or prominent cheekbones is one that is a positive statement about attractiveness and beauty. It is not clear why high cheekbones cast this image, but we all know the emotional response when we see it.

Today's plastic surgery techniques and modern facial implants now make it possible to provide a wide range of cheek enhancements. Highlighting different areas of the cheek complex is made possible because of the many different styles of cheek implants that are available. Different cheek implant shapes are available that can enhance the front, side, underside, as well as the bone underneath the eye in front of the cheek. Because of these different style options, it is critical that a plastic surgeon look carefully at the anatomy of the cheek to determine which parts of it should be improved.

The 'traditional' cheek implant is really like a shell which covers all aspects of the curved cheek, adding volume to the front and sides of it in equal amounts. For those patients with really flat cheeks, this is usually a good choice. The implant can be slid further forward or further to the back of the cheek to customize its effects. Submalar cheek implants sit more on the underside of the cheek bone. They push up loose overhanging cheek tissue and , as a result, are more ideal for the aging patient with loose or sagging cheek skin. They also are good for patients who have had loss of the buccal fat pad and hollowing of this area. (facial lipoatrophy, e.g., HIV disease) Because the submalar implant fills the upper part of the buccal space as well as the underside of the bone, a dual effect is achieved. Tear trough implants are not really cheek implants per se. They fill underneath the eye area which is in front of the cheek. For those patients with some good cheek width but flattening of the bone in front of the cheek, this is the only facial implant made for that use. Sometimes it can be used in combination with a traditional cheek implant for greater fill of a flat midface.

To get the best effect from these different cheek implant styles, their position on the bone is critical. For this reason, I always secure any style of cheek implants to the bone with screws. This is the only way to be certain of their long-term position after surgery.

Types of Face Lift Surgery

2008-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

By Amy Nutt

A rhytidectomy, the technical term for a face lift, is a fairly common cosmetic surgery that it utilized to restore a more youthful appearance. It can encompass any manner of smaller face related surgeries or involve a simple lift. For example, rhinoplasty (nose job) or Blepharoplasty (eye surgery) are not considered face lifts per se, both may be performed in conjunction with a face lift.

Yet and still, you can opt to simply have the face lift without the additional surgeries. It all really depends on the results you wish to obtain post surgery.

This is why an in office consultation is so important prior to considering any type of cosmetic surgery.

What to expect during face lift surgery consultations

Many of the people who wish to undergo a face lift are forty plus and seek the lift due to dissatisfaction with wrinkles and sagging skin. A visit with a board certified, reputable physician will help them assess the areas that are in need of correction and what it will take to remedy the situation.

You can discuss issues like downtime and the costs of surgery as well as financing options during this initial visit.

Face lifts procedures and techniques

As with any cosmetic surgery, a face lift is determined by the incision and the procedures utilized during the surgery. A good example of this is the SMAS (Submuscular Aponeurotic System) Lift. With this type of cosmetic surgery a plastic surgeon arranges the underlying musculature of the face to create a more youthful appearance. Liposuction is often combined with this procedure to get rid of any subcutaneous fat after which excess sagging skin is cut away. This skin is the sutured and sewn together.

Other types of face lifts include:

A neck lift: People hate the jowly or "waddle" neck appearance that can develop as we age. This sagging jaw line can age the face even more than wrinkles do. A basic chin lift may eradicate this problem but cosmetic surgery that concentrates on neck area can really provide a more dramatic, youthful look.

Mini lift: An outpatient procedure, it a mini face lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that may not produce the results of a full face lift with a small incision by the ear. Also called a weekend face lift, this technique is best for individual between the ages of forty to fifty-years-old with small signs of aging to correct.

Traditional, old fashioned lift

The traditional face lift utilizes a larger incision but produces the most dramatic, overall results. Most people who opt for the full conventional lift are older with more signs of aging to correct. If need be, newer techniques, like SMAS can be combined to recontour the face and make it more youthful. Lipo is often performed in conjunction with this cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery additions and enhancements

Some men and women opt for surgical injections or additional surgeries like rhinoplasty or Blepharoplasty to complete the look they want. Non-invasive remedies like Botox or Restalyne injections can decrease the appearance of wrinkles that may be difficult to remove with skin excision alone.

The costs

On average, rhytidectomy surgery costs about $7,000 dollars but can go as high as $15,000 depending on the procedures and additional enhancements.

The best candidates for face lift, or any type of cosmetic surgery, are those who are psychologically sound and know what to expect. Plastic surgery will not make you look like someone else or appear to be a teenager again. Instead, you look like a more fabulous version of yourself at your current age! Keep this in mind as you hunt to find the best doctor and deal for your cosmetic surgery.

Offers a wide variety of treatments and cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, liposuction, and otoplasty. Visit us at The Canadian Institute of Cosmetic Surgery in Montreal. http://www.cosmeticsurgery123.com.

Is There Any Difference in the Differing Materials For Chin Implants?

2008-11-05T12:53:00.005-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Chin implants are a simple straightforward procedure that is very effective for improving horizontal deficiencies of the chin. Done through a small skin incision under the chin, the implant is slid into position on top of the chin bone. While there are different styles of chin implants for different cosmetic effects, the fundamental concept is that the chin implant provides a non-resorbable filler that expands the boundaries of the chin bone.

In addition to different styles, chin implants are also available in different materials. Occasionally asked by patients, does it matter what a chin implant is made of?

By far, the most common material used for chin implants is solid silicone or silicone rubber. It has the advantages of being very flexible and smooth which makes its insertion easy...as well as being easy to remove. Because it is a rubber material, it is easy to carve and shape should that be necessary. Because it is potentially 'slippery', I chose to stabilize it in position with a screw or two so that it does not move from where it is placed at the time of surgery. Because it is injection molded, it can be manufactured into any shape and size very inexpensively which accounts for the large number of silicone chin implant options. From a biologic perspective, it results in a layer of scar developing around it after surgery, much like a breast implant. The chin implant simply lives inside this scar (capsule) where it is well tolerated by the body, presumably for the rest of the patient's lifetime.

Less commonly used but well known are chin implants made of high-density polyethylene, also known as Medpor. This material is much more firm and inflexible but its surface is irregular and semi-porous. Unlike silicone, this material makes the chin implant harder to insert (requiring a bigger incision)...and remove if necessary...but it has frictional resistance against the bone so that it does not slide around as easily once positioned in place. This material is much harder and shaping it can only really be done with a powered rotary instrument. From a biologic perspective, a surrounding scar is still formed but it sticks to the implant better as the scar has grown into the pores of the surface of the chin implant. An argument can be made that this ingrowth of tissue into the implant is more biologic and better to resist infection. But the incidence of chin implant infections is so low that any real differences between the two materials is impossible to determine.

A third material exists that of polytetrafluoroetylene (PTFE) or Gore-Tex. It is most similar to silicone rubber because of its flexibility and ease of shaping with a scalpel. A smooth surrounding scar envelopes it as well after placement.

Do any of these materials make a difference? In my opinion....no. In the end the body treats all of them the same...with an enveloping scar that is not really different or conveys any superiority. Whichever material the plastic surgeon is most comfortable with is the best material for your chin implant procedure.

What Exactly is a Tummy Tuck?

2008-11-05T12:53:00.003-08:00

By Caroline Trump

A Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, or tummy. In most cases, stretched, weakened, and separated muscles are restored, creating an abdominal profile that is both smoother and firmer.

A full tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the bellybutton. The size of the incision will be determined by the extent of the surgery needed to perform the tummy tuck. Through the incision, abdominal muscles are repaired, as fat and excess skin are cut away. After the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, tape, or clips.

Following the surgery, incisions are bandaged and an elastic band is placed around the stomach area to reduce swelling and give support to the abdomen.

Immediately after surgery and for about a week, improvement may not be noticed due to swelling and the inability to stand up straight because of the repair to the muscle. After the swelling goes down and the muscles begin to heal, the result will be a flatter, smoother, tighter looking tummy.

Many men are also considering tummy tucks in this age of cosmetic awareness. They have been dieting and working out and although they have lost the weight and toned the muscles, the belly fat remains. A tummy tuck can give them their six pack back!

Women who have had a tummy tuck know the value of the procedure. The belly fat they have been unable to lose regardless of the diets and exercise seems to magically disappear with a tummy tuck.

As with most cosmetic surgical procedures, cost is the main factor that keeps most people from following through with the surgery; however, with lower cost procedures being offered in foreign countries such as the Dominican Republic, more people than ever are spending their vacation time having plastic surgeries and recovering in the relaxing resort atmosphere.

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The Standard Tummy Tuck in the Extreme Weight Loss Patient

2008-11-05T12:53:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

The extra skin and fat around the waistline is usually the most common concern for most extreme weight loss patients. It is the most frequently requested procedure in this patient group and is usually done first in the priority of body contouring procedures. In cases of only moderate skin excess, a more simple and traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may suffice.

Like a more typical cosmetic patient, the tummy tuck in the weight loss patient is a frontal procedure that results in a hip to hip scar. An elliptical cutout of skin and fat is done that starts low at the level of the pubic hairline and stops just above the belly button. The excision patterm looks like a horizontally shaped football. The key is that the cutout goes above the belly button, which differentiates it from a limited or mini-tummy tuck in which the cutout goes below the belly button. It is very uncommon to do a limited tummy tuck in the extreme weight loss patient. This type pf cutout pattern in a full tummy tuck results in both a low horizontal scar that extends from one hip prominence to the other but a circular scar around the newly created belly button. (umbilicus)

As part of the tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles (vertical rectus muscles) are sewn closer together to help provide further flattening of the stomach area. There is a common misconception about this part of the procedure. The actual muscles are not really sewn together but the covering of the muscles are, known as the fascia. A running vertical row of sutures, from just below the breast bone down to the pubis, is placed to create a horizontal tightening effect across the stomach. In some patients, this effect is significant while in others this muscle tightening does not make a dramatic visual flattening effect. For this reason, not every tummy tuck patient needs this part of the procedure. If not done, the amount of pain after surgery is dramatically reduced.

Every tummy tuck patient gets drain tubes placed during surgery. These drainage tubes remain for an average of 10 to 14 days after surgery. They are critical to avoid a fluid collection over the stomach area after surgery.

This relatively simple tummy tuck in the extreme weight loss or bariatric patient represents about 1/3 of the types of tummy tucks that I do for this patient population. Whether this tummy tuck version, or a more extended one is necessary, depends on the amount of extra skin and fat that the patient has.

SmartLipo - Answer to Removing Unwanted Body Fat

2008-11-05T12:52:00.002-08:00

By Spero Theodorou

Many women out there must probably just be waiting to slip into their favorite bikini but can't because of those so called trouble areas. Many men would like their body to look more impressive than it presently is. For such people and those yearning for a tighter, toned body; SmartLipo, a laser aided liposuction modality holds out more than just hope.

The SmartLipo Revolution:

Developed at first in Italy, SmartLipo is a kind of revolutionary cosmetic surgery. It is in fact the first and sole lipolysis system to be laser assisted. Candidates for the treatment ideally are no more than 25 lbs (approx. 11.34 kilos) short of their most apt weight; quite healthy; and have had unsatisfactory results through exercise and cutting down on fatty foods.

Among many advantages associated with the SmartLipo process are the following:

• Requires only a very small surgical incision.

• In most cases, a single treatment is generally all that's required.

• Use of local, not general anesthesia.

• Causes a certain degree of cellulite reduction.

• Most of the time, new fat is not created after the process.

• Normal activities can be resumed within just a few days of the procedure being performed.

The Science of SmartLipo

A long vacant tube called a cannula is introduced into the targeted fat pocket. To and fro movement of the cannula and dispersion of laser energy causes draining away of the fat cells, and collagen shrinkage. SmartLipo is unique in that it makes use of a dual platform laser MPX, dual in the sense that one can be used for skin tightening and the other for fat melting. Depending on the skin quality and body type of the patient, the operating surgeon can alternate between the two blends.

Worth a Try!

It can't be denied that Smartlipo therapy is quite expensive and for many, not affordable. However, if you want a treatment that removes fat for the long term, it's worth a try.

Dr. Spero Theodorou is an experienced Manhattan plastic surgeon in New York City. As a leading New York City Smart Lipo surgeon, Doctor Spero Theodorou specializes in Smartlipo MPX treatments. Park Avenue Smart Lipo is the first plastic surgery group in Manhattan to offer the latest Laser Body Sculpting technology from Cynosure.

Teens and Breast Implants

2008-11-05T12:52:00.001-08:00

By Brenda Williams

Breast augmentation surgery is not a decision to make lightly. Surgery is surgery, no matter how popular the procedure, with all the risks inherent to a surgical procedure. It is even more important to weigh all your options carefully when it is a teenage girl inquiring about having breast augmentation, considering the fact that the teen's breast size and shape are still changing and will continue to change until her mid-20s. While your teen may feel her breasts are 'too small', she may not realize everything could change in a short period of time. However, if breast augmentation seems like a solution after careful consideration and a thorough consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, this additional information will be helpful to you:

Although breast augmentation surgery is statistically safe, there are risks, including:

• Anesthesia risks

• Likelihood of another surgery in 5-10 years

• Potential breast pain or hardness and nipple numbness

• Breast implant replacement in several years

• Implant issues such dimpling, wrinkling or puckering upon removal

• Expense: Health insurance may not cover necessary corrective surgeries

• Mammography may be interfered with

Consulting with a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon and with hospital operating privileges at the hospital where you would like your procedure performed is very important. Additionally, your surgeon will take the time necessary to fully evaluate your teen's needs, both physically and psychologically.

These tips from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons are very important:

• Your teen must make the final decision on her own. While parental support is important, your teen will have to live with the decision to have surgery.

• Realistic goal setting is key. Surgery has limitations. Breast augmentation will not solve the problems many teens face simply growing up.

• Learn all the facts before making a final decision. Recovery from breast augmentation surgery can be painful. Rules of recovery must be followed explicitly speedy and complete recovery. Your teen must be emotionally mature enough to make the commitment to recovery.

• Teens who are highly emotional, abusing drugs or alcohol, or suffering from depression are strongly encouraged to wait until an older age to have the surgery.

Most importantly, teens and parents must take the time to patiently and calmly discuss the surgery, any costs out of pocket, and how the recovery period will be managed. In today's society, a great deal of peer pressure is placed on female teens regarding looks and sexuality. It seems the 'beautiful people' are rewarded, so it is no surprise teens are demanding breast augmentation surgery at younger ages. But that breast implant surgery may be a permanent solution to a temporary problem, since teen breast size and shape resolve as the teen matures into her 20s and beyond. It is very important for teenagers to feel they fit in, so be sure to talk honestly with your teen before making any decision to move forward with breast augmentation. Between 2002 and 2003, teen breast augmentation jumped 24%. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends females be 18 years of age and older before undergoing breast augmentation and cautions that this surgery should be carefully considered over a period of time.

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SmartLipo - Melts Fat and Tightens Skin

2008-11-04T11:03:00.005-08:00

By Spero Theodorou

Tried out all sorts of diet and exercise programs, but specific areas of your body simply refuse to tone up? Then SmartLipo is definitely the better solution to go with. It is a minimally invasive treatment that use advanced laser technology to dissolve unwanted fat from your face and body.

SmartLipo - A Smart Laser Liposuction Procedure That Works

SmartLipo melts fat and tightens skin, thus helps to enhance your beauty and maintain a fresh and youthful appearance. This procedure is probably most applicable for candidates who are in good health with normal weight having specific areas of stubborn fat. It requires only minimal downtime and produces promising results, with far less discomfort and bruising. SmartLipo can be performed virtually on any parts of the body where there is excess fat. Body areas that can be treated with this technique are neck, face, love handles, back, upper arms, abdomen, knees and inner and outer thighs.

SmartLipo's Benefits and Advantages

This laser body contouring system affords many advantages over traditional liposuction methods. Listed here are some of the advantages associated with SmartLipo.

• Smoothest, best body contouring results

• Minimal downtime

• Minimal discomfort

• Requires only local anesthesia, therefore no side effects

• Lesser bruising

• No incisions or suturing involved

• Quick recovery

• Minimal pain

Gain Desired Aesthetic Results

After undergoing this treatment, most routine activities can be resumed within a few days. Typically, only one treatment session is required per area and you can see significant improvements within a few weeks, and continued improvement of the procedure are realized in up to 4 months.

Dr. Spero Theodorou, a talented New York City plastic surgeon, runs Park Avenue Smart Lipo, the only New York City SmartLipo training facility. Doctor Spero J. Theodorou offers safe and efficacious Smart Lipo treatments at his AAASF (American Association Ambulatory Surgical Facilities) accredited center in New York City.

Advantages of Mini Facelift

2008-11-04T11:03:00.003-08:00

By Spero Theodorou

Mini facelift, also known as mini lift, limited-incision facelift, S lift (short scar lift) is a highly effective technique used to freshen up your natural beauty and to improve your self-confidence. The procedure repositions the skin and soft tissues of the face that show signs of aging, thus endowing patients with a more youthful appearance without a pinched or pulled look.

Best Candidates for Mini Facelifts

Mini facelift is probably most applicable to patients, those under 50 years of age. This procedure can be carried out painlessly under local anesthesia. When done properly in accordance with the skin quality of the patient, it brings amazing results that lasts anywhere from 8 to 10 years. In normal cases, recovery times following a mini face lift is anywhere between 10 days to two weeks. Depending upon the amount of work done and size of the area affected, it varies slightly.

Natural Results, Minimal Scarring

Mini facelift is a good and effective procedure, with more advantages than traditional facelift. This technique produces better cosmetic results with minimal scarring that is nearly invisible, and this one of the great advantages.

Mentioned below are some other advantages of the mini facelift:

• Natural-looking results

• Coagulation resulting in tissue tightening

• Minimum downtime

• Lesser bruising or swelling

• Rapid recovery

• Lower cost than a full facelift

As with all surgery, there are risks of hematoma, infection, skin discoloration, or poor wound healing.

It's So Safe

Mini lift can be performed individually or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures for a remarkable overall improvement. The end results of mini facelift are beautiful, positive aesthetic results, which are natural in appearance. There are many instances of people who have done the procedure and very impressed by the results.

Dr. Spero Theodorou is an experienced and talented Manhattan plastic surgeon in New York City. Doctor Spero Theodorou specializes in short scar facelifts, SmartLipo treatments and other plastic surgery procedures and all areas of body and facial enhancements.

Cosmetic Surgery - The Options

2008-11-04T11:03:00.001-08:00

By James P Wilkinson

We hear of stars undergoing cosmetic surgery every day and lately it seems that, one after another, they hot foot it on to our TV screens to let us follow their surgical trip to a new face, body and lifestyle. We've all heard of procedures such as facelift and breast enlargement surgery, but what else is it possible to change in an increasingly age obsessed society?

• Blepharoplasty (eye bag removal) - to many, the lines and aging of the face is of paramount importance, but we sometimes forget that the area around the eyes can give the game away. If you suffer from a swollen under eye area, with excess fat and skin, you can undergo this surgery to remove it and give you back a youthful and refreshed appearance.

• Breast uplift surgery - for many reasons, including aging, pregnancy and weight loss; the breasts can sag and droop. This can be corrected during breast lift surgery by removing excess tissue from below the breast and repositioning the nipple at the correct level. Sometimes this is combined with the insertion of a breast implant if the breasts are too small - this is known as breast uplift and augmentation.

• Brow Lift surgery - this involves small incisions being made in the hairline above the brow after which an endoscope with camera is inserted to allow the surgeon to remove some of the muscle tissue to create a smoother and more relaxed forehead and brow area.

There are many cosmetic surgery procedures to improve just about every area of your body and face, whether it be to remove unwanted body fat, enhance the shape of your face by inserting chin and cheek implants or just to improve you facial symmetry and profile by enhancing your nose.

If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure such as nose surgery you should seek an accredited surgeon who is registered with BAPRAS or BAAPS to ensure any plastic surgery procedures you receive run smoothly.

Cosmetic Surgery - The Effect of the Credit Crunch

2008-11-04T11:02:00.004-08:00

By James P Wilkinson

You'd think that in these - the days of the credit crunch - business would be slowing for cosmetic surgery practices. This may certainly be the case for some of the big money items, but minor procedures such as Botox injections and fillers are becoming more popular than ever.

Is this due to increased level of knowledge that members of the public now display in this area? It certainly seems so, and with a host of celebrities allowing us to follow their plastic surgery adventures in minute detail and shows such as Channel 4's "10 years younger" showing how cosmetic surgery can be very effective if utilized properly, we have never been better informed.

It's worth remembering that with these minor, non surgical procedures, there is little or no recovery time. This of course means that any changes you see will be only minor in terms of perhaps their ability to remove lines and signs of aging - for a more life changing procedure you will need to consider cosmetic surgery procedures such as facelift surgery and lower eye bag removal surgery (Blepharoplasty).

Should you decide to opt for a non surgical procedure such as dermal filling to erase nasolabular lines (the lines that originate from each side of the nose and travel to the side of the mouth) this type of procedure can be carried out using a local anesthetic and is usually quick and painless. The same applies for application of products like Botox (sometimes referred to as Vistabel) making the whole procedure quick and friendly to the wallet.

These minor procedures can give you an idea of how you will look should you turn to cosmetic surgery and can be invaluable at helping you take the first step towards making a more permanent change.

If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure such as facelift surgery you should seek an accredited surgeon who is registered with BAPRAS or BAAPS to ensure any plastic surgery procedures you receive run smoothly.

Cosmetic Surgery Holidays

2008-11-04T11:02:00.003-08:00

By James P Wilkinson

In an increasing trend, many are turning to seeking cosmetic surgery treatment abroad in a bid to save money, but, in doing so are they putting their health on the line?

Medical tourism seems to have become a worldwide phenomenon with people from many countries flying to locations where the treatment will be much cheaper. Surgeons in some countries are even teaming up with luxury hotels to offer full cosmetic surgery holiday packages. Tours can even be included to make your stay perfect, and if you're thinking all this sounds too good to be true, you're probably right.

Firstly you need to consider that regulations may not be as stringent in some of these countries and the surgeons will not be an accredited member of any governing body that is recognised in the UK. This of course means that there are no guarantees as to the quality of treatment and aftercare you can expect.

There have been horror stories of breast implants bursting during the flight home as they have not been placed correctly. There are many instances of patients having to pay for expensive and painful repair/reconstructive surgery once back in the UK to fix the work that has been undertaken so carelessly on their person.

In the UK there are 2 main governing bodies in the field of cosmetic surgery and you should be worried if any cosmetic surgeon you approach is not an accredited member. Being a member of these organisations should ensure that any treatment you receive is of a high standard.

The 2 in question are; BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons). Both of these Associations ensure that their members carry out work to the highest standard and this also covers the aftercare that is given.

It appears the old adage is right with regards to cosmetic surgery - you quite simply get what you pay for.

If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure such as breast augmentation you should seek an accredited surgeon who is registered with BAPRAS or BAAPS to ensure any plastic surgery procedures you receive run smoothly.

Plastic Surgery Reshaping the Abdomen After Extreme Weight Loss

2008-11-04T11:02:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

One of the main concerns of almost all extreme weight loss patients is the extra skin and fat that hangs around the waistline. While weight loss can occur differently around the body, the abdominal and waistline deformity occurs most commonly. Unlike the typical woman undergoing a traditional cosmetic tummy tuck, the abdominal operations in the extreme weight loss patient are frequently different as the skin excess is more extensive. There is an extra dimensions of skin that not only create vertical excess but also potentially circumferential as well. This creates a total of five different types of tummy ruck procedures.

The traditional tummy tuck may still apply to some weight loss patients if the skin excess is not that great. In the standard full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), skin and fat is removed horizontally...like a large ellipse removing skin from the pubis up to above the bellybutton. A full tummy tuck also includes tightening of the abdominal muscles and may involve liposuction around the sides of the waist.

An extended tummy tuck is simply a full tummy tuck that goes further back around the waistline. More skin and fat is removed around the sides of the waistline due to more loose hanging skin. The scar goes further back around the waist but stops short of the middle of the back. Many extreme weight loss patients need this form of tummy tuck as is the most common in my experience.

Some patient's skin is so loose that a horizontal cutout of skin still does not give a great result. This skin excess lies above the belly button and has folds in the vertical dimension. When this exists, a combined horizontal and vertical cutout is needed and does a much better job of bringing in the sides of the waistline. This type of tummy tuck is known as the anchor or fleur-de-lis. It creates a vertical scar down the middle of the abdomen as well as a low horizontal one. In bariatric patients in the past, this extra scarring was not usually a concern as a midline scar may have already existed from an open bariatric procedure. Today, almost all bariatric surgeries are done laparoscopically so this vertical scar may be more of a concern.

The most extensive tummy tuck is the circumferential body lift. This is really a combination of two operations, a frontal tummy tuck and a back buttock lift. The frontal tummy tuck in the body lift is a standard horizontal one.

The last, and rarely used , type of abdominal contouring procedure is the reverse tummy tuck. In this procedure the abdominal cutout is done high above the belly button. Rather than pulling excess skin down, skin is pulled up in the opposite direction. The resulting scar will be horizontal and high along the breast folds in a women or in the chest crease in a man. This procedure is usually reserved for those patients who have already had a lower tummy tuck but still has residual skin excess up high that remains bothersome.

A Few Things to Consider and Expect When Deciding on Breast Implants

2008-11-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

By Billings Farnsworth

Every year women look into getting breast implants for various reasons. This is just as true in San Diego as any other location in the world. It used to be the only reason people would associate breast implants with were just a person who wanted to augment their natural size. Breast implants have also been used in females who have had to get a breast removed due to breast cancer. It's a great uplift to these women whose self esteem may plummet due to the loss of a breast and a feeling of womanhood.

So how do you know if breast implants are right for you? Well most of the sites will have a quick test you can take that will go over why you want the implants and also give you some insight as to what you might have to deal with post-surgically. These include nipple becomes less sensitive and scar tissue.

There is no doubt that since the opportunity for women to increase their size came along the advances in technology and surgery procedures is greatly refined. With this advancement comes a shorter time of getting healthy after you have gone and got your breast surgery.

Of course the choices of breast implants come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, so you have numerous choices. In fact it's amazing at what you have to decide on, you can get a smooth or textured implant, round or shaped saline or silicone. Funny how many things you can change about your look with one surgery that takes around 1 to 2 hours.

Now when it comes to deciding between saline or silicone, what is the difference? The big advantage of saline is due to the fact if for some reason they would break open saline is just salt water and your body will easily dissolve that product. However with saline you may notice ripples in your breast. Silicone has been around much longer, but if it ruptures your body can't dissolve it as well. So think about what you wish to do before you go in to get the surgery.

Of course this surgery is not risk free; every surgery you can have will have the ability to go bad in one way of another. So sometimes you may experience a complication that will make your recovery time much longer. After getting an implant you may have mammograms that show up as obstructed. You also will not be able to breast feed, so if you're planning on having children and have always wanted to breast feed, hold off on this surgery until a later date. And as talked about earlier you might run into leakage.

Whichever way you decide to go on size and texture and type just make sure that your surgeon is one of quality. Go out and look into getting your breast implants in your home town of San Diego and rest easy.

If you're considering breast implant in San Diego, where the demand is high and the prices steep, try calling the Premier Plastic Surgery Group of Utah (http://www.premiersurgeryut.com/california/San-Diego-plastic-surgery/). Our board certified doctors are able to provide high quality service at a much lower price. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

How a Plastic Surgeon Helps

2008-11-03T12:35:00.004-08:00

By Violet Williams

When people look at Hollywood celebrities in pictures or in their movies, they are lead to believe that they are perfect looking people. Yes, some of them are definitely better than average looking, but others would not look the way that they do unless they had a little help.

There is a joke that celebrities have their plastic surgeon on speed dial. While this can be thought of as an exaggeration, it would not have come about if the work of a plastic surgeon were not deemed very important. After all, for celebrities, they depend on how good they look in order to keep their job.

However, a plastic surgeon does not just help celebrities, he or she also helps everyday people who are looking to feel better about themselves. Sometimes this is purely for cosmetic reasons. For example, if a woman has never liked the shape of her nose, she can have it fixed with a procedure known as rhinoplasty. Or, if a man is dissatisfied with how his chin looks, he can actually have a chin implant!

Other times, a plastic surgeon gives self esteem back to people who have been born with a physical abnormality, or who have been injured in an accident. A particular example of the latter is when a person has been scarred in a fire. Thanks to skin transplant surgery, the surgeon can reconstruct the areas that have been damaged. So, instead of just associating this kind of surgery with Hollywood, remember that it can be so much more.

More information on male breast reduction and a plastic surgeon in your area is just a click away.

Contemporary Plastic Surgery Operations

2008-11-03T12:35:00.003-08:00

By Trevor R. Price

The most popular plastic surgery procedures are rhytidectomy operations (face lifts), nose jobs (rhinoplasty), abdominoplasty (tummy tucks), liposuction and breast implants or augmentations. If you're interested in one of these procedures and want more information about these five common procedures, keep reading.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a permanent surgical procedure that takes about 1 to 2 hours. To augment the breasts, an implant is placed either behind or just above the pectoral muscle. These implants come in a variety of shapes, styles and materials, but the two most common types are saline and silicone.

Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction works by targeting a specific area of fat deposits on the patient's body. It's most effective on patients who are already at an average body weight but simply wish to perfect or minimize a pinpointed area of their body.

Liposuction is a fairly invasive surgical procedure and is typically performed under general anesthesia. First, your doctor marks the area to be treated, makes a small incision and then inserts a long needle just under the skin. The fat deposits are then scraped off the underside of the skin and suctioned out.

Abdominoplasty

Also known as an abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a popular plastic surgery procedure. More than 8,000 abdominoplasty surgeries were performed in the state in the last year.

When a patient undergoes an abdominoplasty, they are placed under general anesthesia. Their surgeon then makes a V-shaped incision across the abdomen and just over the pubic region. At this point, the skin is lifted and the surgeon then repositions and tightens the abdominal muscles and excess skin.

Nose Job

A nose job - or rhinoplasty - was once the number one plastic surgery procedure. By reshaping the nose, a rhinoplasty can either diminish its size or give it a more traditionally attractive appearance.

The average plastic surgery patient needs about 1 to 2 weeks to recover visibly from a nose job. That said, the internal bruising and some external swelling won't fully diminish until approximately 4 to 6 months after the surgery.

Face Lift

A face lift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a comprehensive surgical procedure that can take several hours to complete, followed by weeks of recovery times. While not permanent, the effects of a good facelift typically last for about 10 years.

The purpose of a rhytidectomy is to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, diminish sagging skin and get rid of jowls and other signs of aging, making the face more attractive and youthful in appearance.

For information on anti-aging surgeries - please visit antiagingsurgeries.com - a popular site providing great youth preservation insights - such as a tummy tuck in Fort Worth - New York Botox - and many more!

Asymmetry in Breast Augmentation Surgery

2008-11-03T12:35:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

One of the known complications of breast augmentation surgery is asymmetry between the two breasts after surgery. Of all potential complications with breast implants, such as infection, bleeding or other issues, asymmetry is the most common. It is the most common reason in my practice, accounting for over 90% of revisional surgeries, for a return trip to the operating room.

Why does breast implant asymmetry occur? First and foremost, it usually exists before surgery. And in many cases, breast implants will not make an existing asymmetry better. In fact, it often will make it worse after. (magnifying the problem as the breasts have gotten bigger) Therefore, it is critical that a good examination is done first so that the asymmetry is identified. Many times, the differences between the two breasts are quite small and can easily be missed. While there is often not much one can do about the breast differences, it is important that patient and plastic surgeon alike be aware that it exists so everyone will understand why any asymmetry is there after the breast augmentation procedure.

In some cases of breast asymmetry, a breast implant may make it better. In other cases, it may make it worse. How can you know what will happen? My experience is that if the horizontal position of the nipples is even, then the differences between the breasts with an implant may make it look better but certainly no worse. If the breasts are different and the nipples are horizontally at different levels, then the differences between the breasts will likely look even worse after surgery. Whether one needs to consider some additional procedure with the breast augmentation, such as a breast lift, is an option. Many patients think that placing a bigger implant in the asymmetric smaller breast will make up the difference. But this will usually not be helpful as one would think. That only works, as previously stated, if the nipples are at even horizontal levels.

Other reasons for breast asymmetry after breast augmentation is that the implants were inadvertently positioned in slightly different pocket locations or the patient's healing process caused a shifting. It is impossible to determine the exact cause in these cases where the breasts were fairly even to start with. Regardless of the reason, the need to perform revisional surgery exists if the patient wants a more symmetric result.

Potential breast augmentation patients need to be aware of the risk of asymmetry after breast augmentation. It is not a rare risk, occurring in about 3% to 5% of my breast augmentation patients despite my best efforts and awareness of it.

How to Get a Natural Facelift Result

2008-11-02T10:17:00.001-08:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

As facelifts have become commonplace, so do the telltale signs of someone having had a facelift. Almost everyone knows or has seen someone that has had, in their opinion, a 'bad' facelift. More specifically, they find that the person may look strange or different after surgery. Most importantly, they look like they have had something done. The concern about not looking natural after a facelift is something patients question me about on a near daily basis.

What creates that 'operated' look is nearly the same in most patients. The face appears too tight, pulled back, and abnormal. In its most severe form, an actual line may be seen running from the corner of the mouth backward towards the ear. (flatteringly referred to as the Joker Line) While there are other obvious signs of having had a facelift, this is certainly the one that patients fear the most. And it is one that plastic surgeons can control. It is usually the result of pulling back too much skin and trying to work out every imperfection. One of the ways to avoid this problem is to manage the patient's expectations from the beginning. A facelift will do nothing for the mouth area, such as lifting up the corners or flattening the fold between the lip and cheek. (nasolabial fold) When you push the facelift to create changes in this area, the pull is too hard and too much skin is being removed. If a patient wants improvement in this area as well, other procedures with the facelift that directly address those problems need to be done. I have found that some patients want a facelift because they believe it will have a great impact on the mouth area...which is a misconception and a set up for disappointment.

When you put it into perspective, it is much better to have a non-obvious facelift result with a few residual lines and wrinkles than perfectly smooth skin that looks like your face is in a wind tunnel! While no plastic surgeon wants a patient to be disappointed (or hear complaints after surgery about this and that which still remains), the patient needs to make a preoperative choice. The smoothest result which may look obvious or a natural-looking facelift result that leaves some loose skin or wrinkles behind. Most, if not all, patients will choose the latter. By knowingly make this choice, the patient is being educated and their expectations about the result are being managed.

Other less obvious evidences of having a facelift would be the result of poor scar placement around the ears or an altered temporal hairline (tuft of hair in front of your ear) that is moved up too high. In my opinion, proper incision placement is one of, if not the most, important technical aspects of a facelift. Hiding scars around the ear and hairline well, with an adequate but not overdone tightening of the skin, are what makes for the most natural and best-looking facelift results.

Laser Dermatology - Focused Light to Treat the Skin

2008-11-02T10:16:00.004-08:00

By C. Smithson

The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Without getting too technical- this basically means that light source is specially focused into a very intense beam and is usually coherent, meaning it is reduced to a very particular wavelength of the light spectrum and is controlled to "vibrate" in only one plane. Some laser light is visible to the naked eye and some is in a part of the spectrum that can not be seen visually.

So, where and how does this focused light technology come into play in the field of dermatology and more specifically cosmetic dermatology? All lasers, regardless of type or wavelength, basically cause some form of localized heating to occur when applied to the skin. The trained laser dermatologist makes use of this epidermal or dermal heating effect to achieve a desired outcome. Some procedures may literally be designed to burn away a small portion of the layer of skin, while other procedures may be designed to cause some heating and slight burning of the skin layers with the intent to cause healing to take place which in turn causes new skin growth and a tightening effect. Lasers are also used to burn away undesirable growths such as tumors or moles and also to remove items such as tattoos or scars. Some of the most common dermatological lasers and their common applications are listed below. Each laser has a particular wavelength of light, a variety of beam focus and pulsing options and a variety of intensities allowing minor heating to major burning capabilities. The skill of the laser dermatologist is the key to a good laser outcome as the highly trained physician will understand how to apply the right laser in the right intensity to gain the desired outcome.

1450 nm diode Laser: This is a deeply penetrating laser that is very effective for treating acne and wrinkles. Typically, no recovery time is needed after treatment. The 1450 diode can even clear the most stubborn cystic acne on the face, back, and chest. This particular wavelength will also improve older and deeper acne scars.

CO2 High Intensity Super Pulse Laser: This is a very powerful laser generally used for skin tumors and skin cancer removal.

CO2 Silktouch Laser: A stronger resurfacing laser usually used for severe wrinkles.

Erbium 294 Yag Laser: This is a fast healing resurfacing instrument used for wrinkles, scars, and tumors. There is a new Erbium version called microerbium for fractional resurfacing with no down time recovery.

Fractionated CO2 Laser: This is a newer CO2 technology targeted for use in removing acne scars, wrinkles, surgical and trauma scars.

Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser: This version laser is most often used for hair removal on individuals with olive complexions.

Long Pulse Dye Laser W/ Cooling: This version laser is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and acne scars.

Long Pulse Ruby Laser: This instrument is most often used for hair removal on fair skinned individuals.

Long Pulse Yag Laser: This instrument is used for removal of unwanted hair on dark skinned individuals and also removal of leg veins, and general skin tightening. Also used for removal of fine hair.

Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT involves a chemical application that is applied to the skin prior to laser treatment for active acne and is also used to augment skin rejuvenation.

PhotoMedex XTRAC Excimer Laser: This instrument is most often used for treating psoriasis and vitiliago.

Q-Switch Ruby Laser: This is the most powerful laser for tattoo and birthmark removal and pigmented lesion treatment.

Q-Switch Yag Laser: This instrument is a common choice for tattoo removal, pigmented lesion treatments, acne scar removal, and general skin rejuvenation.

Q-Switch Yag 5 Laser: This laser is popular for skin rejuvenation, pigmented lesions, and removing tattoos that contain color.

Radio frequency Laser: This instrument is commonly used for non-surgical face lift and skin tightening. The procedure is an advanced way to tighten skin with the touch of a sophisticated computerized treatment tip to the skin. It requires no incisions and no recovery time. Excellent results can often be seen with just one treatment.

Short and Long Pulse Flashlamp Dye Laser: This instrument is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and removal of acne scars.

These are some of the more common dermatological lasers and their common applications. Some laser dermatologists will own and operate several of these instruments while some clinics may only own one or two particular lasers. It is really up the preference of the laser physician and what tools they feel they need to do the procedures that are the forte of their particular practice. Lasers have helped open up a whole new field of skin treatments and have also helped to make previously performed procedures faster and often less painful with much shorter recovery times and decreased chance of complications.

Always consult only a licensed physician or similarly licensed medical facility before undergoing any medical procedure.

For more information regarding laser dermatology and cosmetic surgery- please visit: http://www.dallascosmeticplasticsurgery.info/category/articles/

Rhinoplasty Trends For Asian Patients

2008-11-02T10:16:00.003-08:00

By A Aaronson

Asian-Americans patients represent a growing percentage of the American plastic surgery business. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that the number of Asian-Americans undergoing cosmetic surgery grew to 767,806 in 2007, representing 7 percent of all patients, up from 6 percent in 2006. One of the most commonly requested procedures among this population segment is rhinoplasty or nose surgery. Asian noses tend to have several general features. These include a wide bridge and a flat nasal tip curve. The current Asian rhinoplasty trends involve the changing and reshaping of these characteristic features.

The Bridge

Many of those Asian-Americans looking for a nose job are specifically seeking a higher nasal bridge. This is accomplished by inserting a piece silicone above the natural bridge to create a nose bridge that projects farther from the face. Some patients complain that this technique leaves much to be desired, as the result can be a very obviously surgically altered nose. Sometimes the sharp edges of the implant are even visible under the nose skin. In some cases, silicone implants have even been known to turn the nose tissue an unsightly reddish hue. More recently, plastic surgeons have begun using cartilage grafts to build up the nasal bridge during Asian rhinoplasty. The cartilage is from the patient's own body and helps create a more natural look. A synthetic material called Gore-Tex is also becoming more popular because it does not show through like the silicone does.

The Tip

Many Asian-Americans have wide nose tips with wide, flared nostrils. The typical request is for a smaller, more defined tip and more proportional nostrils. This can be achieved through plastic surgery. If more than simple reshaping is required, implants can be use to get the desired definition. These implants can be either synthetic or from the patient's own cartilage. Cartilage can come from the septum(the blade between the nostrils), the ears, the skull, ribs, or hips.

The key to a successful Asian-American rhinoplasty is to keep the nose balanced with the rest of the face. The nose job should not make the tip too small or the bridge height too high for the rest of the face. Along these same lines, it is imperative that patients and plastic surgeons not try to create an Asian nose into a Caucasian nose or any other non-Asian type nose. The ethnicity should be preserved to make the rhinoplasty as appealing and natural looking as possible.

As with any ethnicity, recovery from a rhinoplasty takes times, usually somewhere in the range of weeks to months. The new, true shape of the nose will only be revealed as the post-surgery swelling and bruising subsides. There may be some pain and tenderness in the mean time, but painkillers can typically erase the annoyance of these side effects. And cosmetics can be very effective in covering up any bruising, redness, or blemishes during the healing process. With a little, patience, Asian rhinoplasty can be a very rewarding plastic surgery procedure.

If you're displeased with the appearance of your nose and are considering rhinoplasty, Williamsburg plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center Hampton Roads offers unsurpassed skill. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit http://www.pschr.com.

Plastic Surgery Gives Sculpted Look After Massive Weight Loss

2008-11-02T10:16:00.001-08:00

By A Aaronson

Losing a massive amount of weight is a very exciting and impressive achievement. It can dramatically improve your health and such conditions as Type II Diabetes and high blood pressure. A huge weight loss will add years to your life and will greatly enhance the quality of that life. Yet there may be some unwanted byproducts from losing a lot of weight. Particularly, many people may be left with loose hanging folds of skin. The skin was stretched out so much during the years of obesity that its elasticity is compromised and it is not able to shrink back down as the pounds melt away. This loose, lax skin can be very unsightly and partially undermine the positive feelings you have about your amazing accomplishment. Fortunately, today plastic surgery is available to correct this problem.

Body Contouring is Very Popular

Massive weight loss is a very common reason for having plastic surgery procedures performed. Patients typically tend to request body contouring operations like breast enhancement, liposuction, tummy tuck, and body lift.

Breast Enhancement

The breasts can be particularly affected by massive weight loss. The skin may hang and sag after the loss of a lot of breast tissue. Breast lifts and implants can eliminate the excess skin and provide firm, tight breasts again. There are many different sizes of breast implants to choose from to best fit your body. The recovery does involve some down time and breast tenderness, but the results may give you great satisfaction when you look in the mirror.

Liposuction

This is a procedure that allows the plastic surgeon to remove diet and exercise resistant fat pockets to help you get all the way to the figure you desire. You have done most of the work with your massive weight loss; liposuction can make up the difference. The most common areas for this cosmetic surgery are the stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks. The plastic surgeon makes incisions in these areas and uses a small tube called a cannula to suck out unwanted fat deposits. The healing process requires resting for several days, but the results can be dramatic. They may allow you to finally look as good as you feel!

Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck is the nickname for an abdominoplasty, a plastic surgery designed to tighten up the abs and surround skin. This is particularly helpful after losing a lot of weight because the plastic surgeon is able to excise off the loose hanging skin from your abdomen. He or she will make an incision near the pubic bone, make sutures to tighten the abdominal muscles, then pull down the stomach skin to stretch it tight, cut off the extra skin and stitch up the incision. While this operation will not give you an instant six-pack, it can significantly smooth out the appearance and feel of your tummy area.

Body Lifts

Body lifts are similar to tummy tucks except that they can take place in other regions of the body besides the abdomen. These include arm lifts where the loose, baggy skin on the upper arms is removed and smoothed. Thigh lifts and butt lifts also get rid of extra skin, firming up those regions and eliminating the tell-tale signs of your previously heavy state.

Plastic surgery is very safe in general and an effective way to remove unwanted sags and wrinkles. Body contouring, specifically is a great method of completing your new look after massive weight loss.

Renuance Cosmetic Surgery Center provides an array of plastic surgery procedures to patients in Temecula, CA. Plastic Surgeons at Renuance can offer beautiful cosmetic results. For more information, visit http://www.eichenbergmd.net/.

Why So Many People Are Turning to Plastic Surgery

2008-11-01T10:42:00.001-07:00

By Violet Williams

There is nothing that a person gets more concerned with than their personal appearance. Women tend to be concerned with how much weight they gain, the structure of their face, and the shape of their torso. Mean tend to worry about their sexual anatomy, wrinkles, and whether they are losing their hair.

Now, people can have changed whatever they would like, thanks to the advanced medical technology involved with plastic surgery. People in the earlier history would indeed have welcomed the advent of plastic surgery, because they had many appearance problems that could have been easily rectified.

For example, diseases like smallpox left deep scars in their face - scars that the aristocratic people (both males and females) actually filled in with beeswax and then put heavy makeup over. Plus, for both men and women who were losing their hair, wigs that caused dry scalps were implemented.

Luckily, plastic surgery is available so that powdered wigs and beeswax are things of the past - as indeed they should be. Many people are seeking out various procedures because of the minimally invasive techniques, which not only produce faster, more natural results, but also require minimal recovery time.

So, if you are a person interested in getting plastic surgery, it is extremely important to make sure that you do your research as to which surgeon would be best for the job. Make sure that he or she has at least five years of medical training, and has many verifiable testimonials to his or her credit.

More information on male breast reduction and a plastic surgery doctor in your area is just a click away.

What is Cool Lipo?

2008-11-01T10:41:00.006-07:00

By Violet Williams

Ever wonder how many different procedures are available for removing unwanted fat and loose skin from the body? Ever wonder if you are a candidate for different liposuction procedures? Are liposuction procedures even covered by medical insurance?

There are a variety of different liposuction procedures available today for people around the world. One of those procedures is called Cool Lipo. This procedure is less invasive than the majority of other liposuction procedures and is used to remove fatty tissues from various parts of the body. The areas of the body most commonly operated on with this procedure are under the chin and any other regions that standard liposuction procedures cannot treat.

Most candidates for Cool Lipo are patients that cannot have small areas of fat removed from their body by regular exercise and regular dieting. This procedure does not include general anesthesia. Even though this procedure is very popular in women it is also popular in men too, especially when male breast reduction is involved.

A laser is used during the Cool Lipo procedure by a cosmetic surgeon after a local anesthesia is applied to the area that will be worked on. After a routine waiting period, the doctor will then use the laser to release energy on the area of the body where the fat needs to be removed.

This procedure is considering a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by medical insurance, which means that the patient will need pay out of pocket for the procedure. The procedure, for one session, usually runs for a cost of $1,000 or more.

More information on Cool Lipo and a cosmetic dermatologist in your area is just a click away.

SmartLipo - Safer Than Traditional Liposuction

2008-11-01T10:41:00.005-07:00

By Spero Theodorou

The highly advantageous SmartLipo liposuction technology introduced just last year has been welcomed with open hands. FDA approved and minimally invasive, SmartLipo doesn't just do away with fat; it enhances body contour (shape) and tightens flabby (loose) skin. New technology is the highlight of SmartLipo making it one of the most popular and successful procedures for liposuction in the area of cosmetic surgery.

The new age SmartLipo is quite similar to traditional liposuction. However, in terms of safety, it wins over what has conventionally been practiced. The reasons for this are quite obvious to both the surgeons who have made it a part of their practice and for the many patients who have benefited from it.

Local Anesthesia

The patient is put under local and not general anesthesia. The problem with general anesthesia is that it carries with it complications and risks.

Minimally Invasive

The incisions used in both traditional and SmartLipo liposuction are small but in SmartLipo, they are smaller.

Hemostatic Properties of Laser

The SmartLipo laser has hemostatic attributes which cause coagulation of underlying vessels. When compared to traditional liposuction, this means a lesser degree of bleeding, trauma, edema and bruising; and hardly any side effects. It also means that the patient can return to his daily routine within just a matter of days because healing is faster.

Prior Liposuction Experience Required To Do It

From the standpoint of the patient who wants to go in for a SmartLipo session, only the services of a surgeon who knows what he is doing and knows it well, will do. It is therefore heartening to know that the SmartLipo laser can only be purchased by doctors who have had prior liposuction experience.

SmartLipo, through its innovative technology continues to help people feel happier with themselves and with their appearance. One can't help but salute the innovative minds that have made SmartLipo a reality.

Dr. Spero Theodorou, a talented Manhattan plastic surgeon, runs Park Avenue Smart Lipo, the only New York City SmartLipo training facility. Doctor Spero Theodorou has a personal interest in Smart Lipo (Laser liposuction) and is experienced in advanced liposuction techniques.

What is Smart Lipo?

2008-11-01T10:41:00.003-07:00

By Elisa Cruz

There are plenty of different cosmetic surgery procedures available for removing unwanted fat from a person's body including liposuction. Other procedures are available that include the use of lasers to remove the fat from one's body.

Smart Lipo is the newest method for removing unwanted fat from a person's body with the use of a laser. This technique was first discovered in Europe and has now become popular in the United States. The procedure was originally developed a little over 10 years ago. A laser is used to rapidly dissolve fat and tighten the surrounding skin almost anywhere on the body. There does not need to be any use of a general anesthetic and is such a simple procedure that it can be done in a doctor's office and not at a hospital or clinic.

Smart Lipo can be performed on almost any area of the body including the waist, the chin, the inner and outer thighs, the hips, the buttocks, the upper arms, the face (but not around the eyes), males with breasts, the back of the neck and the pubic mound.

Candidates for Smart Lipo are patients who are in good health, are not obese, have an active lifestyle and have a pocket of localized fat that they wish to remove. Anyone with diabetes, liver problems, blood disorders, kidney problems, heart problems and skin disorders should not have this procedure performed. This procedure can be used in conjunction with liposuction and anyone that has the procedure performed can return to work within 24 hours of completion.

More information on Smart Lipo and a skin care center in your area is just a click away.

Understanding Recovery After Body Contouring Surgery

2008-11-01T10:41:00.001-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

One of the most common and important questions almost all patients ask their surgeon is....how long will my recovery be? Or what will my recovery be like? Body contouring surgery is no different and, because of the size of the surgery, patients have to have realistic expectations about the recovery period.

I like to think of surgery recovery as three phases based on what the patient will experience during each specific phase. How you feel, what you can do, and what is happening with your surgical incisions make up each phase. When talking about body contouring surgery, we need to be specific as to what procedures we are talking about. For the sake of this discussion, I am referring to the procedures of circumferential body lift, thigh lifts, or a combination of other body procedures which may add up the size of a procedure such as a body lift.

The first phase of recovery from body contouring surgery is right after the operation. It is a phase of pain, dressings, drains, and more limited physical activity. Surprisingly, body contouring surgery is not acutely pain but has more of a dull discomfort and some stinging along the incisions. In my practice, I glue on tapes over the incisions so there is no care needed. One can shower after 48 hours and feel free to get the incisions and drains wet, it will not hurt them. You can do whatever you feel like doing but most patients will be fairly limited to sitting around and walking about the house. Phase one is obviously the most difficult, generally lasts from 7 to 10 days, and is what most patients envision it to be.

Phase two in body contouring surgery recovery is when the drains come out, the tapes are removed, and you are getting back to some normal activities of daily living including driving and some out of the house events. You are still sore but no longer in any severe pain. Some external stitches are removed, if present, as well. This phase is from 10 to 21 days. You may return to work if your job is a sit down one with minimal strenuous activity. You are not ready to return to any physical activity, particularly any form of working out. Your incisions may start to turn more red by three weeks after surgery as they start to heal. The red color is normal.

Phase three is what I call the nuisance phase of recovery and it is between 3 and 8 weeks after surgery. During this phase, you are really recovering, feeling much better, and by the end of this phase are almost or are back to all of your presurgery activites. This is also the phase when small 'problems' will develop at your incisions which will surprise patients as they think they should be completely healed by now. This include extrusions or reactions to dissolvable sutures, known as 'spitters', which the body is pushing out as they dissolve. It is also the time when seromas of fluid collections may occur after the drains have been removed. These are minor problems but are common delayed issues that will occur in most body contouring patients.

In summary, recovery from body contouring surgery takes longer than most patients think. Complete recovery, including the full healing of all incisions, can take up to two months. Patients should be aware and prepare accordingly for their work and lifestyle.

The Need For Drains After Body Contouring Surgery

2008-11-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Body contouring surgery usually involves removing large segments of skin which are then closed by bringing the two sides together. What is not obvious is that the skin is closed over a 'space'. As the skin is more elastic or flexible than the deeper tissues (such as fat) that lie underneath, closure of the skin when large segments of tissue have been removed leaves an open area beneath. As the body abhors a space, it will fill it with fluid. Thus, the need for drains in such surgery.

The reason fluid accumulates in this space under the skin is that wounded tissue weeps. Much like a brushburn that you had on your knee as a child, fluid comes leaking out from the wounded tissue. In the spaces left behind after big skin removals, a large surface area of wounded tissue lies underneath. This will weep fluid for weeks after surgery. Drains are inserted into these spaces to prevent fluid build-up. A soft tube is inserted under the skin through a small opening near the main incision. This drainage tube is then attached to a suction bulb which pulls fluid out by vacuum pressure. This is known as a closed suction drain. The drains are quite long, up to 18 inches in length. Usually one or more drains are used for surgical site depending on the procedure. (an arm lift needs one drain, a tummy tuck needs two drains, a body lift may need four drains) Some procedures such as breast surgery may not need a drain at all.

The removal of this fluid is of critical importance. While the body can absorb a certain amount of fluid, large amounts that occur after major body contouring surgery can not be absorbed. If allowed to build up, it may be a source of infection but will also not allow the sides of the wound inside to heal together. Therefore, the drains keep most of the fluid out so that adequate internal wound healing can occur. The drains serve as a safety valve until the internal weeping stops.

How long does this internal seeping persist?...or more pertinently, how long will you have to have these drains? It varies by the area and type of surgery. For arm lifts 2 to 3 days, thigh lifts one week, tummy tucks seven to ten days, and body lifts as long as two weeks. Some plastic surgeons use the amount of fluid coming out as the measure of how long they stay. Generally, less than 25 to 30 ccs per day per drain means they may be able to be removed.

Questions Anyone Should Ask Their Prospective Cosmetic Surgeon

2008-10-31T12:40:00.001-07:00

By Elisa Cruz

It seems rather incredible now, but not too long ago, when a person was very dissatisfied with his or her personal appearance, nothing could be done about it. They just had to accept it. However, thanks to medical technology, now people have far more options.

This is where a cosmetic surgeon comes in. In order to facilitate the plastic surgery that will be needed to change, for example, the facial structure of a person, it only makes sense that a person will need to choose the best cosmetic surgeon they can find.

In order to make sure that, during a consultation, the cosmetic surgeon they are considering is indeed the best person for the procedure that they want, it is very important to make sure that they ask questions. The first question they should ask is in regard to the amount of medical training that the surgeon has had. The correct answer? At least five years.

Another very important thing to ask about is the portfolio of the cosmetic surgeon. In this portfolio, there should be many impressive before and after photos, as well as verifiable written testimonials from patients. Obviously, the more testimonials, the better. Once this has been established, the next step is to ask about the procedure itself, how long it will take to recover, and what can be done to make sure the patient gets the best results possible. Bring a list of questions you want answered, so that you can make sure you don't forget anything!

More information on male breast reduction and a cosmetic surgeon in your area is just a click away.

How Much Pain Will I Have After My Body Contouring Surgery?

2008-10-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

One of the frequent questions patients ask is...how much pain will I have after my body contouring surgery? How much and how long will I hurt? What can I take for the pain? These are, understandably, on the top of many patients concerns.

While most surgeries involve pain, and body contouring surgery is no exception, it is often less than you think and very tolerable for most patients. I frequently hear patients say...'that was much less painful than I thought'. Why is that? There are several reasons. First, really significant surgical pain comes from muscle or bone surgery or entering the body's cavities, such as the abdomen. Body contouring surgery involves none of that. The removing of skin and fat, while dramatic and often in large pieces, does not involve tissues that have as much pain as structures that lie deeper. Secondly, skin that is cut and moved often goes numb as the tiny nerves that supply feeling to the skin are cut in the process. As a result, the skin nearest the incision line loses feeling for a period of time. As you move further away from the incision, one starts to have feeling again.

Some body contouring procedures cause more pain than others. The most uncomfortable would be those that involve surgery around the abdomen such as the tummy tuck or body lift. Because the long incisions are around an area that moves and twists, common and frequent movements such as getting out of bed or a chair, can be uncomfortable for a while. Other procedures such as arm lifts or breasts lifts cause virtually no pain at all. The discomfort from a thigh lift is somewhere between the tummy tuck and the arm lift.

Beyond the recovery room after your surgery, pain medications by mouth should suffice. I mainly prescribe oral narcotics such as Percocet or Vicodin. Depending upon the procedure(s), narcotic pain medications are usually taken for a week or so after surgery. Thereafter, the use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Motrin, Advil or Aleve can help one wean themselves off of narcotics. It would not be rare to have to take something, particularly at nighttime for up to a month after the surgery.

What is a Cosmetic Dermatologist?

2008-10-30T11:20:00.001-07:00

By Violet Williams

Dermatology is the study of skin and its appendages as well as medicine involved in the care of skin and its appendages. Dermatology is one of the largest fields of medicine because the skin is the largest and most visible organ on the human body. Doctors that specialize in dermatology are also educated in surgery and immunology because some skin problems can originate from within the body.

A cosmetic dermatologist is a dermatologist that specializes in surgery to improve the look and the feel of a person's skin with different cosmetic procedures. These doctors are also responsible for facial rejuvenation and skin rejuvenation. Another list of procedures that these doctors perform is:

• Botox

• Stretch mark treatment

• Tattoo removal

• Smartlipo

• Acne treatments

• Laser hair removal

• Laser skin resurfacing

• Juvederm

• Lip augmentation

• Laser spider vein treatment

Cosmetic dermatologists can perform all of the above procedures and more for their patients after a consultation appointment. Dermatology uses topical gels, ointments, prescribed medicine in the form of pills and liquids as well as lasers and other treatments to fix skin problems anywhere on the skin.

Finding a cosmetic dermatologist is easy. Look in your local Yellow Pages for phone numbers and set up a consultation appointment to meet and interview each doctor. Once you have found one that suits your fancy tell he or she what procedure you would like to have done and figure out how much it will cost and how long the procedure will take. It is also a great idea to learn more about the specific details of the procedure you had in mind.

More information on Mesotherapy and a cosmetic dermatologist in your area is just a click away.

Things That a Cosmetic Dermatologist Can Easily Treat

2008-10-30T11:19:00.006-07:00

By Violet Williams

Were you aware of the fact that skin is, within itself, an organ? It is a very important part of the human anatomy, and without it, no one could survive. It shields the internal organs from the elements, and thus is a very important for of protection.

Unfortunately, many people take skin for granted, and the result is damage that needs to be fixed by a cosmetic dermatologist. In order to become a cosmetic dermatologist in the first place, the person must be vigorously trained in medical school regarding all of the subcategories in this expansive field.

One of the most popular things that people seek out a cosmetic dermatologist for is the removal of wrinkles. Some people simply cannot accept the fact that their skin is starting to show its age. Or perhaps the skin became prematurely wrinkled because of too much exposure to the sun.

No matter what the situation, many people seek out cosmetic injections like Botox. Botox is known for providing immediate results, so much so that people have been known to have it done while on a lunch hour from work. However, for more long-lasting results, people might seek out restylane injections.

A cosmetic dermatologist can also help with hair removal. In order for a person to be permanently hair-free in the chosen area of their body, it is very important that the follicle itself be destroyed. For this, the necessary procedure is laser therapy. Thus, this kind of dermatologist is not only helpful, but versatile.

More information on mesotherapy and a cosmetic dermatologist in your area is just a click away.

Finding the Right Cosmetic Surgeon

2008-10-30T11:19:00.005-07:00

By Violet Williams

Cosmetic surgery has become a more and more popular procedure over the years and it can be difficult to find the perfect doctor to perform you desired procedure. Plastic and cosmetic surgery comes in all different forms. It can be a simple, small procedure to change the look of someone's nose or eyelids or it can be as large as repairing a part of the body that is damaged in an accident.

Finding the right cosmetic surgeon can be a difficult and drawn out process. You don't want just anyone performing surgery on your body. They need to be the perfect doctor for the procedure that you want to have done. If not, the procedure might not be completed to your liking. Some of the procedures are liposuction, eyelid repair, Botox, tummy tuck and breast augmentation or breast reduction.

Finding the right cosmetic surgeon is like finding any other doctor. The first place to start is the local Yellow Pages. Once you find a couple of doctors call them and make a consultation appointment to interview them. If one of the doctors strikes your fancy, become one of his or her patients and explain what procedure you would like to have done.

A good cosmetic surgeon can mean the difference between having the right procedure performed correctly the first time and not having to have any extra work done a second or third time. This can mean the difference between a couple thousand dollars for a procedure or a hundred thousand dollars to have the procedure done again because it wasn't done right the first time.

More information on tummy tuck and a cosmetic surgeon in your area is just a click away.

Considering Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

2008-10-30T11:19:00.003-07:00

By Violet Williams

So much pressure has been placed on the appearance of people worldwide today that people are considering having certain procedures done to improve the look of their face, their legs, their buttocks, their breast, their arms and other parts of their body such as the nose, ears, eyes, lips and cheeks. These procedures are not inexpensive but are worth the money if you are looking to improve the appearance of your body. Changing the appearance of your body could help to change your confidence as well.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is a procedure used to reshape normal structures of the body such as a breast augmentation, a tummy tuck or liposuction. These procedures are usually elective; which means that the patient elects to have one or more of them done because they wish to change the appearance of that area of their body.

Cosmetic plastic surgery can also take place to repair eyelids, facial problems, skin problems and weight problems. A face lift attempts to return radiance to the face by restructuring certain areas of the face. A tummy tuck is a common procedure that tightens and strengthens loss skin and muscles around the abdomen area. It is also known as an abdominoplasty. The procedure will also remove any excess skin from the area.

Another common procedure in the cosmetic plastic surgery field is breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement. Breast enlargement does exactly what is says; enlarges the size of the breasts of women. The augmentation is done with implants, which are saline filled plastic bags, and are inserted into the existing breast via surgery.

Liposuction falls into this topic as well. Liposuction is the process of removing unwanted, excess fat, from different areas of the body. It is usually performed on the abdominal area, the thighs and the buttocks. Usually this procedure is done for patients who have tried and tried to lose weight by dieting and exercising and they are not getting the results that they want. Other areas of the body that can be treated with a liposuction procedure are the arms, the chin, the neck and the back. Candidates for a liposuction procedure are people that are of average weight, have elastic skin that is firm and have pockets of unwanted fat.

Other forms of cosmetic plastic surgery are laser skin resurfacing, Botox injections, chemical peels, a breast reduction and eyelid surgery. All of these procedures can cost anywhere from $4,000-$10,000 or more but help to reshape the body and increase the amount of confidence a person has regarding their appearance.

Before jumping into getting a procedure done make sure you do enough research on the specific procedure and ask all the questions that are perplexing you before you decide to go ahead and have that procedure done. Finding the perfect doctor can make the process easier. Begin your search for a doctor in your local area and then make a decision. Always schedule an initial consultation to meet the doctor and find out what his or her plan of attack would be.

More information on cosmetic plastic surgery and liposuction is just a click away.

Changing the Shape of a Torso With a Tummy Tuck

2008-10-30T11:19:00.001-07:00

By Violet Williams

Obesity is something that millions of women around the world suffer with. Since women tend to store weight in their midsection, they often try to exercise, or wear clothing that covers that problematic area. Sometimes a flabby stomach is not because of fat, but rather because there is a lack of muscle tone.

Whatever the source of a woman's less-than-perfect midsection, many women decide to make an improvement in their appearance by getting a tummy tuck. This procedure involves getting rid of the excess amount of fat that has collected at the torso, and also tightening the muscles. While men can also have this procedure done, it is most often done on women.

Who is the ideal candidate for a tummy tuck, anyway? First of all, the patient should be within five to ten pounds of their goal weight. Thus, a woman who is in shape overall, but has a noticeably saggy midsection would benefit the most from a tummy tuck. It is important to note that many women end up with skin folds or things of that nature because of multiple pregnancies.

The thing that entices many people to have a tummy tuck is the fact that the results can be permanent. Some people, try as they might by doing lots of crunches, simply cannot get the flat stomach that they want. What they need is a little something to entice them to stay on the path of fitness, and this procedure does that. Additionally, they will have the added benefit of knowing that they will be helping to maintain the results.

More information on a tummy tuck and a plastic surgery clinic in your area is just a click away.

SmartLipo - New Age Liposuction

2008-10-30T11:18:00.006-07:00

By Spero Theodorou

SmartLipo is the new age liposuction: liposuction with fewer side effects and less recovery time than the conventional liposuction, and which requires a really minute incision. The procedure is best for individuals who have not responded to workouts and diet control therapies.

Besides being FDA approved, this liposuction procedure has the distinction of being the first to be laser assisted. SmartLipo promises successful fat removal, body toning and skin tightening for people of different body types. Body areas that can be treated by this process include the chin, hips, upper arms, male breasts, knees, face, arms, abdomen, back and neck.

The Procedure

The physician introduces a tiny tube (cannula) in which a laser fiber of low energy is contained, straight into the targeted fat deposit. The tube, with a diameter between 1 and 2mm is passed into a minute skin incision. The minuteness of the incision means that no sutures are required to close it once the procedure is over. Through back and forth movement of the cannula, the energy of the laser reaches the fat cells making them rupture and effortlessly drain away, while the surrounding tissue is unaffected. The laser keeps bleeding, bruising and swelling to a minimum as it causes immediate coagulation of little blood vessels on contact.

Is SmartLipo For You?

You could be a suitable candidate for SmartLipo if you:

• Are healthy

• Do regular exercise

• Have local body fat deposits that refuse to leave despite consistent physical exercise and weight watching

The Downside

One downside of SmartLipo is that is intended to do away with only a small amount of fat (around 8 pounds). Another reason to reconsider SmartLipo treatment would be the high cost. SmartLipo, being a cosmetic technique, is not covered by insurance.

Outlook

The downsides regarding a SmartLipo session are few in comparison to the benefits. There are several instances of people who have had the procedure done and impressed by the results, have requested treatment of other areas.

Dr. Spero Theodorou runs Park Avenue SmartLipo, the only SmartLipo training facility in New York City. Doctor Spero Theodorou is an experienced and talented plastic surgeon based on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City and provides laser liposuction services for both men and women. He offers safe and efficacious Smart Lipo treatments at his AAASF (American Association Ambulatory Surgical Facilities) accredited center.

Short-Scar Facelift

2008-10-30T11:18:00.005-07:00

By Spero Theodorou

Short-scar facelift is one of the most recent developments in facial aesthetic surgery, invented and popularized by Dr Daniel Baker - one of the leading plastic surgeons in New York City. Short-scar facelift is a highly effective technique that brings amazing, and very positive aesthetic results with minimal scarring that is nearly invisible. It is also known by different names such as s-lift, mini-lift, baby boomer facelift or limited-incision facelift.

The operation involves the repositioning of the muscles and tissue under the skin to bring about the facelift. In this procedure the skin is separated from the underlying SMAS, thus allowing customization for every patient according to their skin quality and overall facial laxity. When compared to a traditional facelift, the short-scar facelift involves lesser bruising and swelling.

The short-scar facelift is particularly suitable for younger patients in their forties and fifties. For older patients, this procedure works to correct the signs of aging, whereas for younger ones, this is an effective solution for maintaining a naturally youthful appearance. The procedure itself takes approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours and can be performed under local anesthesia. Recovery period for the short-scar facelift is anywhere between 10 days to two weeks.

Patients undergoing short-scar facelift surgery have advantages such as:

• Minimal scarring

• Minimal tissue trauma

• Natural results that last anywhere from 8 to 10 years

Though this procedure has many advantages, it is not free from disadvantages.

• A skilled and qualified plastic surgeon is required to carry out this procedure due to the limited approach and visibility

• Harder to perform when compared to the traditional surgery

• Similar complications as in traditional facelift including hematoma, infection, and poor wound healing (especially with smokers and diabetics) might occur

• Not a common solution for all patients, since these operations have to be custom-tailored to a particular patient's requirements

The results of a short-scar facelift can be amazing, endowing patients with a more youthful appearance for many years to come.

Dr. Spero Theodorou is an experienced and talented plastic surgeon based on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Doctor Spero Theodorou specializes in short scar facelifts and other plastic surgery procedures and all areas of body and facial enhancements.

5 Steps Preparing You For A Cosmetic Surgery Facelift Consultation

2008-10-30T11:18:00.003-07:00

By Sarah Pauer

You thought you could get away with just choosing a plastic surgeon that seems competent enough, did you? Well that's not all what's going to happen before you're actually under the knife! One of the more important steps is your first consultation with the surgeon you have chosen. This is where you will agree on exactly what procedure is to be performed and to what extent. Your physical and mental status will also be evaluated, so be sure to prepare yourself and think it through. Does this sound complicated? Not at all, read this small guide and you will be prepared enough!

What are your expectations?

You are planning to undergo quite a change. But what are your expectations? Together with your surgeon you will agree on what kind of changes are to be done; which wrinkles to flatten out. Look yourself in a mirror and try to agree with yourself to begin with.

Why do you want a cosmetic surgery facelift?

Committing to surgery is always a big decision, and your surgeon surely will ask you exactly this question! Is it because you want some of your youthful looks back or is part of your face just annoying you? Have you come to this decision yourself or maybe your partner has teased you about a few wrinkles?

What is your physical status?

Surgery always equals a small risk of unwanted complications. And there are several important factors to consider out of this aspect. Are you taking any prescribed drugs or using any alternative or herbal medicine? Do you have any allergies or have you ever suffered from an anaphylactic shock? Do you smoke or use drugs? These and many other factors are very important when deciding upon your type of anesthesia to minimize risks, so leave out nothing!

Your surgeon will thoroughly inspect your skin status

Don't be put off when your cosmetic facelift surgeon starts pinching your cheeks and inspects your hairline. It is essential for him or her to know the status of your skin to best decide upon what methods to use. Therefore he might for example measure your face, take photographs and inspect elasticity and texture of your skin.

Have you thought upon possible additional changes?

Just as three candy bars come at the price of two at the local market, you can make more than just a buck if performing several surgical procedures at once. Additional procedures may even enhance the result in a way where one plus one equals three. Therefore cosmetic surgery facelifts are often combined with eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, forehead lift or skin treatments to mention a few choices.

So in total rather simple when dividing it into digestible parts, wasn't it? Just do not wave these points away, but instead focus and think them through. This way your surgeon will see that you have given the whole idea of surgery some serious thought and consider you as a stable person. Additionally you will also have had a good opportunity to really make sure you have decided yourself!

Working as a medical professional Sarah Pauer has years of experience of the field. She is also a part time writer for The Cosmetic Surgery Face lift Guide. Read more on cosmetic surgery facelifts.

Want to Carve Years Off of Your Face? What Are the Benefits and Dangers of Face Lifts?

2008-10-30T11:18:00.001-07:00

By Patricia Wagner

Are you unhappy about what your mirror tells you? Does it show you wrinkles and sagging flesh that used to be so youthful?

You probably know that if you choose a skillful plastic surgeon, he or she can probably remove 10 or 15 years off of your appearance!

What could that mean to you?

Many people regret the passage of time and the wrinkles and sagging skin that naturally occurs. Wanting to look younger, they may look into having cosmetic surgery. A face lift can't stop the aging process, but this surgical procedure will probably make you look younger. That's because in this type of surgery muscles are tightened and excess fat is removed resulting in a more youthful appearance.

If you are between your 30s and 40s, you might want to select a mini face lift to tighten your facial muscles because the procedure is less invasive and recovery time is much faster than with the traditional face lift.

The traditional face lift that was popular in the 1980s with celebrities is known as the deep plane face lift. When it is successful, it can make you look up to 15 and even 20 years younger because it tightens the facial muscles so much.

If you want to have a face lift, your skin must have elasticity to it and you need strong bone structure to qualify for this surgical procedure.

However, you need to proceed with caution because there are many potential negative side effects. This cosmetic surgery has a risk factor that's serious enough to make you think twice before going under the knife. Just like any other surgery, face lift surgery has its risks that should not be ignored.

Here are some sobering side effects that could happen to you if you decide to have a face lift. They hardly ever happen, but they can still occur.

1. Some of your facial nerves could be injured resulting in lack of mobility of some facial muscles.

2. Some of your facial tissues could actually die in the process.

3. Your incisions could become infected.

4. This surgery can even kill you in a worst case scenario.

There is less risk today than years ago when face lifts first became popular, but the risks are still there.

If you wish to brave the possible side effects of a face lift, be sure to choose your surgeon wisely and follow his or her guidance as you go through this procedure.

Face lifts are more affordable now than ever, so more people are choosing to have this procedure done.

If you decide to have a face lift, be aware of the fact that you may or may not be pleased with the results because there are no guarantees. You need to ask yourself if it is worth the possible risks to look younger.

Are you wondering if a cosmetic face lift could help you look younger? Are plastic surgery risks worth it?

You Want to Get Plastic Surgery - Bringing Someone With You

2008-10-30T11:17:00.006-07:00

By Octavio Herrera Guardiola

There is a question that many people ask : Can I get my surgery with someone else?

The answer to that question is also simple: ABSOLUTELY it should be the best thing to do, and this is because of many reasons.

First you can get more comfortable and secure if you come with someone you trust, your husband (or wife), a friend, your mother, your cousin, etc. this is because undergoing this adventure (as many doctors in the USA says), could be intimidating, but if you come with that person you can rely on it will be easier for you to take the decision and to overcome the fear of coming to a country you probably don't know or that you have heard bad things of (I will address this in a future email).

Coming with other person could be good for you because you can spend all of your recovery time with someone you know and you are used to talk and be with. This will help you get recovered faster and in a more comfortable way than talking just with nurses and doctors.

There is an additional benefit of coming with a relative or friend, and it is that you can get a better price in your surgery if you and your partner get some other procedures too. This is because you can get a bulk discount price for getting various procedures for you and your partner.

So if coming to Colombia for cosmetic surgery is cheaper than doing it in the USA, can you imagine how it can be if you get a better price? as I said in a previous e-mail: the truth is that cosmetic surgery in Colombia is about cutting down costs because we already know that quality and expertise of surgeons is as good as in the USA and the health facilities are also good as well.

Now you can see that coming with someone you know is a good decision not only for your own tranquility but for getting even better prices, so what are you waiting for? go call that friend, tell your husband (wife) to invite them to come with you and, why not, to get a procedure too.

http://www.colombianplasticsurgery.com the complete information for getting cosmetic surgery in Colombia, find information in procedures, health centers, articles, etc.

There Are Options For Financing Your Cosmetic Surgery

2008-10-30T11:17:00.005-07:00

By Octavio Herrera Guardiola

I don't need to tell you that cosmetic surgery procedures are not cheap, you already know it, you have probably done some research already, you asked your doctor, Googled it, asked other people who had surgery before, you have seen it on TV, newspapers or magazines, etc.

But there are options out there, you can ask for a personal loan with your bank, you can ask your insurance company if they have special credit programs for cosmetic surgery abroad in the case that your insurance does not cover all of the procedure expenses, and there are also some cosmetic surgery loan companies that could lend you the money you need for the surgery expenditure.

You need to take in mind that a surgery loan is different from a personal loan because there is not a physical good (collateral) that they can claim back if you stop paying your monthly bill, this is called an unsecured loan. In this case the loan companies make extra efforts in assessing your application to determine if you will be able to pay for your loan and they could take several days before approval.

There are a few basic requirements that you may use to evaluate your current standing if you're thinking of applying for a loan, especially if it's for overseas medical treatment. However, if you feel that your qualifications are insufficient to get you approved, you may request someone to act as your co-signer provided that he meets these requirements.

- Be a citizen of the U.S. and a legal resident of the state where they apply;

- Meet any age requirements for personal loans in their state;

- Have two years of established credit, with NO derogatory credit entries (credit accounts in collection, tax liens or civil judgments, delinquencies);

- Have a debt to income ratio, with the new loan, that will not exceed 50%;

- Have total unsecured debt, including the loan amount requested, less than 50% of their gross annual income; and,

- Have less than $15,000 in credit card debt.

- 2 Years consistent employment (same field of business)

- Gross Monthly income of $ 1,500.00

All of this will take also in consideration your credit score, this is calculated based on your credit history and reports. Usually any American with a Social Security number, whether a citizen or not, have three versions of credit reports. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three largest American credit agencies that collect your credit information and provide your credit report or credit profile to your lenders/creditors.

There are many payment schemes being offered by finance companies. Others offer zero- interest rates if you pay within 3 months. Others can give you anywhere between 12 to 60 months to pay for your loan depending on your credit standing. Others have down payment requirements while some don't.

So you are now better informed about the financing options out there that you can use to achieve that procedure you may want.

http://www.colombianplasticsurgery.com the complete information for getting cosmetic surgery in Colombia, find information in procedures, health centers, articles, etc.

What is Tummy Liposuction?

2008-10-30T11:17:00.003-07:00

By Marissa Drake

Some people are incapable of losing weight, no matter what they do. For the majority of people this isn't a problem. By changing eating habits and working exercise time into your busy schedule, you can usually lose weight and fat. However, due to some medical conditions, such as a thyroid problem or a low metabolism, exercising to lose your tummy fat may not be as easy. In this case, tummy liposuction may be the answer for you.

Liposuction is the #1 cosmetic surgery performed in the United States. It's relatively safe, although along with any surgery, there are risks involved. Ultrasonic liposuction is extremely popular with patients, because it's a non-invasive surgery that doesn't require actual surgery. However, ultrasonic liposuction is not a great way to lose large amounts of fat. Ultrasonic liposuction delivers ultrasound energy to the tummy area, destroying fat cells in the process. No anaesthesia is required, and you won't have to miss months off work in order to recover. The downside is that it is incapable of destroying large amounts of fat cells, and the patient will either have to go in for multiple sessions, or will have to resort to more traditional liposuction surgeries.

Tummy liposuction can have a detrimental effect to your body. It's important that you choose your doctor carefully before you consider tummy liposuction, since this can greatly increase your chances of a successful surgery without side effects. It's also important to remember that price isn't everything. A low cost surgeon may be covering for the fact that they have minimal experience in the field. With some things you can look for bargains, but in the case of surgery, you should choose the most qualified surgeon available.

Tummy liposuction surgery is basically the removal of fat using a cannulae, and the smaller the cannulae, the better. If you have large deposits of fat, you may have to undergo multiple liposuction surgeries in order to get the results you want.

Possible side effects

Irregularities of the skin
Scarring
Excessive bleeding
Swelling
Bruising
Soreness
Blood clots
Infection
Allergic reaction to the anesthetic

While the above list may seem large, tummy liposuction is relatively safe. In most cases, bruising, swelling and soreness diminish and fade over several months.

Tummy liposuction isn't the answer to everything. Once you've had the surgery, you will have to regulate your diet and exercise on a regular basis in order to maintain your results.

Marisa Drake is considered an expert author in the fields of nutrition, weight loss, healthy living and plastic surgery. To learn more about detoxing your system and losing weight without the complications of liposuction surgery visit Weight Loss Body Wraps.

To learn read about real life plastic surgery experiences visit Plastic Surgery Cafe.

Cosmetic Surgery - The Facelift Explained

2008-10-30T11:17:00.001-07:00

By James P Wilkinson

The "A" word is dreaded by all but the most grounded and mentally balanced of us and is of course something we simply cannot get away from, but is aging really all that bad when you can do something about it?

As we age, our skin loses it's elasticity through a combination of sun damage, genetic programming and many other environmental factors such as smoking (which rapidly ages skin) and weight loss.

There are some non surgical solutions that can help if damage is minimal such as chemical peels and laser treatment which help to resurface the skin. If you really want to turn back the clock though, you'll need to consider cosmetic surgery and, in particular, a facelift. Just what does this procedure involve and how can you be sure you receive only the best treatment? These are some of the questions asked by the majority of people considering going under the knife and the answer to both is simple; look for an accredited surgeon. There are 2 main associations in the UK whose members are fully qualified and experienced surgeons; BAAPS (The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) and BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons).

These Associations advise you to consult with an accredited cosmetic surgeon when thinking of undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure who will give you all the relevant advice you need and ask you to undergo some simple health checks. You will have all risks explained to you and be asked to sign a consent form should you go ahead with the procedure.

BAPRAS describes a facelift procedure as taking place under a general anaesthetic, during which time you will have an incision made that runs through your hairline and down in front of the ears before following round and behind. This will allow the surgeon to peel away the skin from the muscles of your face and trim and tighten it, removing excess in the process.

The recovery is expected to take several weeks in full with much of the initial pain and bruising subsiding in the first few weeks. Eating may be painful at first but everything should return to normal after a few weeks and it is advisable to take a couple of weeks off work to allow for this to happen.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery make sure you search for an accredited surgeon. This will guarantee that any plastic surgery procedure you undergo such as facelift surgery runs smoothly and without incident.

Cosmetic Surgery - Rhinoplasty Explained

2008-10-30T11:16:00.006-07:00

By James P Wilkinson

The shape of our noses is something we have little control over as it is part of our genetic programming. Some may suffer fractures which leave a lasting impression on the shape of their noses and their facial symmetry. Whatever the reason for disliking your nose there is of course something you can do about it and this is where nose surgery or Rhinoplasty (to give it its proper name) comes in.

The bone and cartilage that make up the nose can be altered in their size and shape to fix the appearance and enhance facial symmetry. This is of course something you should give careful consideration to before making a decision, but the results can be well worth the money you spend on it.

To change the surface shape of the nose the underlying bone and cartilage needs to be altered and this is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. Small incisions are made inside the nose or sometimes in the skin beneath the nose and the Surgeon is then able to start work. The size and shape of the cartilage and bone is adjusted to create the new enhanced shape you desire and, if necessary, a small piece of bone or cartilage is taken from elsewhere in the body (usually the hips or ribs) to help build up the nose.

In the majority of cases the surgery is performed under general anaesthetic but it is also possible to be given local anaesthetic and, in some cases, sedation may be given so that the patient remains conscious during the operation. This enables the procedure to be administered as a day case so you can go home the same day.

For more extensive work you may need to stay at the hospital for 1 or 2 nights to allow monitoring of your recovery. During the consultation process you should be asked to undergo some simple health checks and pictures will be taken to allow comparison after the surgery. You will also be asked to sign a form of consent to allow the procedure to go ahead.

If you are considering nose surgery make sure you search for an accredited surgeon to ensure that this and any other cosmetic surgery procedures you consider run smoothly. BAPRAS and BAAPS are two such plastic surgery governing associations.

Cosmetic Surgery - Laser Resurfacing

2008-10-30T11:16:00.005-07:00

By James P Wilkinson

There are many skin conditions that you can do little about and it may be necessary to seek a good cosmetic surgeon to provide a solution. Just what intermediate options are available?

One of the newest non surgical treatments, and certainly one that is proving to be effective, is laser resurfacing. The treatment is useful for treating minor skin defects such as; Pigmentation caused by aging (age spots), scarring, birthmarks, hair in undesired locations, warts, tattoos and of course the one we all worry about - wrinkles.

Due to its non surgical nature, laser resurfacing needs very little recovery time compared to the usual 2 weeks of recovery you experience with many other procedures such as heavy acid peels and minor cosmetic facial surgery.

There are still of course some conditions that need to be met before you can undergo this treatment and they are as follows; if you are a smoker you will need to ensure you do not smoke for at least one month before the procedure and will need to give up completely if you want to benefit from the laser treatment in the long term. This is because smoking robs the skin of precious moisture and weakens the elasticity by depleting collagen stores. Also smoking can worsen the appearance of thread veins and indeed cause them in the first place.

You cannot undergo the procedure if you are suffering from any serious health condition or if you suffer from severe allergies. Likewise, if you are pregnant you will not be able to undergo this procedure.

This procedure is usually applied over several sessions to ensure that the chances of any adverse reaction or scarring is minimal. The results can be striking and the procedure is definitely a good precursor to cosmetic surgery procedures such as facelift surgery or eye bag removal (blepharoplasty).

This type of non surgical procedure is a good stop gap before moving on to cosmetic surgery procedures at a later age. Once you decide to do so you should look for an accredited surgeon for your plastic surgery procedures. This is especially important when considering facelift surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery and the Lips

2008-10-30T11:16:00.003-07:00

By James P Wilkinson

I'm sure at one point or other most of us have wondered what we would change about our appearance and in particular our faces. Some wish for a fresher more youthful look and others may want to rid themselves of under eye bags, but top of the list it seems is lip enhancement.

There have been a plethora of pictures in the tabloids of stars such as Angelina Jolie whose voluptuous lips win them many fans, but also there can be many pictures which are a testament to this kind of procedure going wrong. This is usually as a result of a reaction to the dermal filler being used and can also be a result of using inexperienced nurses/surgeons who may not carry out the procedure correctly. Take the case of Leslie Ash who suffered very publicly and was branded the woman with the trout pout after letting an inexperienced nurse inject the area above her lip with permanent dermal filler.

We all want bigger lips (unless you are one of the lucky few to be born with them) and in our quest to have that perfect look there is always the chance we may go too far. Thankfully it is now becoming more "trendy" to have the cupids bow style lips of celebrities like Gemma Atherton.

To get this kind of look much less filler is required and not so much in the top lip which has been the problem with lip enhancement procedures of the past. The result is a more sculptured and less plumped look.

Dermal fillers have become the 2nd most popular non surgical procedure after Botox and account for 40% of this market. Non surgical treatments are an ideal way of "trying out" a look before you opt for a more permanent solution and this may be quite a prudent move when it comes to making changes to your face.

You should always use a BAPRAS or BAAPS accredited surgeon to ensure your cosmetic surgery procedure runs smoothly. This is especially prudent with plastic surgery procedures such as nose surgery and facelifts.

Breast Enlargement Surgery - The Facts

2008-10-30T11:16:00.001-07:00

By James P Wilkinson

The size of your breasts is largely predetermined due to genetic factors but can of course be affected by changes in your weight, changes in the level of your hormones, pregnancy and of course breast feeding.

There could be many reasons for considering breast enlargement surgery - Asymmetry (whereby one breast is significantly bigger than the other), you may simply feel that your breast are too small or perhaps you consider them to be out of proportion for the size and shape of your body.

Whatever the reason, breast enlargement surgery could be an option, but what does it involve, what should you look out for and what are the risks?

You should of course look for an accredited surgeon and there are 2 widely respected associations; BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons). You should look for surgeons who are members of one, the other or both. This will ensure your procedure runs as smoothly as possible and the risks are reduced.

Once you have found a suitable surgeon you will be asked to attend a consultation, you should usually be asked to have blood test and possibly a Mammogram to make sure everything is ok before you go ahead with the procedure.

The procedure itself is carried out under a general anaesthetic and the implant is inserted through an incision site (you will usually be given a choice of sites) and then placed under the skin and breast tissue or a little deeper under the breast muscle. You will be a given a choice of implants and the surgeon will go through the pro's and con's of each and the same with the incision sites.

You should be aware that there are risks as with any medical procedure and these are as follows; with the general anaesthetic there are minute risks of blood clots or chest infections. With the operation itself there is the risk of bleeding, red/raised/lumpy scars, encapsulation of the breast implant which can result in hard and painful breast and a few other very minor side effects. A good cosmetic surgeon will make you fully aware of any risks, however minor, during the consultation process so you can make a fully informed decision.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery such as breast enlargement surgery, make sure you search for an accredited surgeon. This will guarantee that the breast augmentation procedure runs safely and smoothly.

The New Facelift Procedures - Surgical Vs Non-Surgical Facelift

2008-10-30T11:15:00.006-07:00

By Gilbert W. Lee, M.D.

The Three Ways of Facial Aging

Facial aging has always been associated with the visual signs of sagging skin. For decades, the favored treatment of this sagging skin has been a facelift. When aging recurred, another facelift was done, and so on. After a second or third facelift, the individual no longer looked natural, and instead had a "tight or pulled" appearance. Over the last 10 years, there has been a general "awakening" and acknowledgment among plastic surgeons as to how aging really occurs. Aging in the face occurs in three ways: first there is a loss of fat or volume in the face; second, there is photo damage from the sun's harmful rays; and third, there develops an abundance of hanging excess skin. So what do each of these components look like? Loss of fat or volume in the face leaves a sallow, hollow or deflated appearance. Areas most commonly affected by fat loss are the tear trough (the groove that forms below the lower eyelid fat bag), the cheeks, temples, lips and upper eyelids. The second category of aging, photo damage is caused by solar radiation. The sun's radiating rays physically break the elastic fibers in the skin and damage the DNA of the skin causing cells to grow with abnormal coloration (sun spots and freckles) or even to develop skin cancer. Those who have spent too much time in the sun will manifest the sun damage as fine wrinkles around the eyes and lips, sun spots and freckles, and a dull leathery texture to the skin. The last category of aging, the sagging skin, is seen as large hanging bags under the eyes, eyebrows which hang so low as to hood the eyes, hanging jowls, and loose skinned necks.

From the 1960's through the 1990's, each of these three distinct signs of aging was solved with one procedure: the facelift. At the time, this procedure was complex, fairly risky and had a 3-6 month recovery time. In more recent years, a shift has been made to more natural rejuvenation of the face, including a host of non-surgical facial procedures. Anyone who has looked into these new procedures knows that the options seem endless - surgical and non-surgical treatments, "liquid facelifts", Botox, fillers, peels, lasers, dermabrasion, mini-facelift, lunch time-facelift... the list goes on. The big question is, how do you choose?

Dr. Gilbert Lee, a top plastic facial surgeon based in San Diego, recommends that you treat all three of the aging factors that affect your skin. "All these options allow you to treat specific issues in a much more natural and lasting way," he says. Dr. Lee recommends that you "start with the aging factor is most apparent."

The Natural Volume Facelift

If an individual has a gaunt, sallow face, then fillers or "volumizers" are the appropriate pick me up. Do people inject fat into their face to look younger? Yes! In fact, the procedure of removing fat from another area of the body and injecting it into the face is not only a popular one, but also considered to be very natural. "We normally take the fat from the tummy," says Dr. Lee. He explains that to treat loss of fat or volume in the face, it's best to use fillers or fat injections. The alternative to fat injections are fillers such as Sculptra (the "liquid facelift"), Radiesse, Juvederm and Restylane. These fillers are used to plump up the skin, "filling in" smaller sections or single creases. Sculptra Liquid Facelift is a synthetic injectable material known as poly-L-lactic acid. Once this bio-stimulator is injected below the surface of the skin, it helps your body regenerate its own collagen. Sculptra is used to plump up larger surfaces of the skin, creating an overall smooth appearance without any scarring. Its effect will last years. Botox is a muscle relaxer and is not a filler. Botox is best at treating expression lines because it relaxes the muscles underneath the wrinkle site, therefore relaxing or eliminating the wrinkle. What you choose is very much dependent on what you want to correct, how long you want your results to last, and how much you are willing to spend. A trained plastic surgeon can guide you through the myriad of options.

Facelift via Laser Treatment or Skin Resurfacing

To treat the effects of too much time spent in the sun (ie. freckles, sun spots, leathery skin texture), the options include strong topical treatments (medications), laser peels, dermabrasion, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and other laser treatments. One of the more interesting laser treatments is called Fraxel Laser Treatment. This treatment performed under a topical anesthetic produces thousands of tiny laser columns that reach deep beneath your skin. These lasers eliminate old epidermal pigmented cells and cause new collagen growth and tightening within the dermis. Because the laser lays down laser columns of energy, it leaves skin in between laser spots unaffected and intact. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once. And, with the newer laser technologies, there is little to no downtime.

A New Kind of Surgical Face Lift

If loose or excess skin is your top aging factor, the best option for you may be a surgical facelift. Unlike facelifts of the past, advancements in facelift techniques now allow plastic surgeons to work faster, safer and in some cases less expensively. With this new kind of facelift, smaller incisions are made, which not only result in less swelling, but also in less visible scaring. Depending on the patient and the procedure they are having done, doctors may be able to use a local anesthetic. Using a local anesthetic is often safer and can save you several thousand dollars in operating room and anesthesia fees.

The modern day facelifts offer more options delivered in less time. There are even more new procedures on the horizon. But, whether you choose fillers, lasers or lifts, the results you'll likely receive are going to be safer, more natural, and, if you're really lucky, less expensive. The best advice may be to treat each of the three signs of aging separately, pick what works best for your skin (and for your wallet), and ask lots of questions.

Dr. Gilbert Lee is triple board certified, including certifications by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Board of Surgery. He has been voted one of the Top Plastic Facial Surgeons in San Diego by the San Diego County Medical Society in 2007 and 2008. Find more information on facial surgery in San Diego, facelift before and after images or plastic surgery costs at http://www.changesplasticsurgery.com

How to Find the Right Surgeon For Your Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

2008-10-30T11:15:00.005-07:00

By Elisa Cruz

You have decided that your personal appearance is in need of a serious overhaul. You have decided not to tell any family and friends (well, your immediate family will have to be told for obvious reasons) and you have decided that you'll simply take some of those many vacation days you have accrued at work for the procedure.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is something that many people, both before and after you, will have done. The key is in finding a reputable surgeon to perform the cosmetic plastic surgery. First of all, the surgeon should be a member of the ASPS. This is information you can find easily on the Internet if need be, but ideally it should be displayed in any advertising he or she has done for their practice.

Next, pay special attention to the amount of training he or she has had. For example, the surgeon should have at least two years of experience in doing cosmetic plastic surgery, with at least five years of surgical experience overall. Also, the surgeon should be knowledgeable and therefore proficient in all forms of cosmetic plastic surgery. Why? Because various techniques from one procedure might be used in another procedure.

It goes without saying, but the surgeon should also only operate in a medical facility that is accredited. Also, during any consultation that you might go on, the surgeon should readily show a portfolio of "before and after" photos, and have many verifiable testimonials. Finding the right surgeon for your procedure might take a lot of work, but your physical results will be worth it!

More information on liposuction and a cosmetic plastic surgery doctor in your area is just a click away.

Wound Healing Risks of Body Contouring Surgery After Extreme Weight Loss

2008-10-30T11:15:00.003-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

While every type of plastic surgery has risks, most of the time they rarely happen. Body contouring surgery, however, not only has risks but it is not a question of if you will develop complications...it is question of how when and severe will they be. This may initially sound pessimistic, but the reality is that body contouring patients all develop some of the complications of their surgery. Fortunately, most of these problems are small and manageable and end up being inconvenient and self-limiting but not health or life threatening.

When I talk about complications from body contouring surgery, it is important to clarify what procedures we are talking about. Smaller procedures, such as necklifts, breast lifts, or armlifts, have less risk of complications that body lifts or thigh lifts. It is simply a matter of how long are the incisions and how much surgery was done. Body lifts, example, have a much longer incision and is a bigger operation than an arm lift for example. The point being....not all body contouring surgery procedures have the same risk of complications as others. You need to discuss with your plastic surgeon the different procedures you are having and how these risks differ. Suffice it to say, the more procedures that are done together the more incisions are made. As more incisions are made, the following potential risks are more likely.

By far, the most significant 'complications' from body contouring surgery are wound related. And they are as follows; incision/wound separation, seroma formation, and infection. Some slight or partial separation of certain incisions is likely and happens in many patients. These usually are at areas of high tension (tight skin closure) and or at the 'T' intersection of many procedures. (e.g., breast lift/reduction, combined horizontal/vertical abdominoplasty, above the gluteal crease in the body lift) When they happen, little can be done to close them except the allowance of time for healing in on their own.

Seromas, or fluid collections, are remarkably common. This is why we use drains after surgery. In my experience, 30% or so of patients who get drains will still develop a seroma after the drain has been removed. While no one dies from a seroma, it is inconvenient as the fluid must be 'tapped' with a needle and removed numerous times before it stops building up. While the use if drains helps eliminate many seromas that would otherwise form, it is not an absolute cure for them.

Infections occur in many body contouring patients although most of them are small and very limited. Most commonly, some stitches will spit later even if they are of the dissolveable type. This often makes a nice-looking and healing incision turn unsavory for a while. Mild infection and cellulitis of some skin areas can also occur but usually resolves with antibiotics alone.

Body contouring surgery patients need to know that they all will likely develop some of these issues. Once one gets past four to six weeks after surgery, the risk of these issues has passed and attention turns toward how the result looks.

What Are the Major Risks of Body Contouring Surgery

2008-10-30T11:15:00.001-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Most body contouring surgery complications are relatively minor (when they happen to someone else!) and relate to wound healing issues. Such limiting complications are fairly common with estimates of these occurring in between %10 to %50 of body contouring patients. More serious and life-threatening complications fortunately are far fewer occurring in less than 0.5% of patients.

Serious complications after body contouring with major health implications relate to an overall event known as thromboembolism (formation of clots) include DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE. (pulmonary embolism) DVTs and PEs are interrelated and are well known as a potential complication from any surgery, not just body contouring. DVTs are clots that can form anywhere in the legs (most commonly in the calf) up into the pelvis. Their prevention starts in surgery with patients wearing SCDs (sequential compression devices) or TED hose, which serves to 'squeeze' the legs and help keep the blood flow returning up the leg rather than getting stagnant and prone to clot formation. This is also why you are encouraged to get up and move around after surgery, even though you may not want to. Walking also helps keeps blood flowing in the legs. If a DVT forms, you will have pain and swelling in the leg which may become permanent. Aggressive blood-thinning efforts must then be done to prevent it from becoming worse or pieces of clot breaking off.

If clots should form, pieces may break loose and travel to the lung known as a PE. When this potentially lethal event occurs, blood flow to breathing portions of the lung are blocked. In bariatric surgery, PE is the leading cause of death after this surgery. While weight loss greatly reduces this risk, plastic surgeons are always concerned about it. Treatment of PEs requires blood thinners but prevention is far more effective and it begins with aggressive anti-DVT methods in surgery. Also, it is for these reasons that I will not do body contouring procedures that last longer than five hours at a time. There is an obvious correlation between length of surgery and increasing risk of DVT. Body contouring can always be done in stages, avoiding excessively long operating times.

Other potential major complications can occur but are much more rare such as a heart attack or pneumonia. They are less likely in body contouring patients as most of these patients are still fairly young, usually under 50 years of age and in apparent good health.

The Open Rhinoplasty - Seeing is Better

2008-10-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Rhinoplasty is cosmetic reshaping of the external parts of your nose. It is a top five commonly requested procedure in plastic surgery in the United States. Whether it is a hump reduction or shortening and lifting of the nasal tip, changing the shape of one's nose can make a dramatic change in the appearance of one's face. Because of the intricate and complex anatomy of the nose and its very visible position on the face, anything less than a near perfect rhinoplasty result will be evident.

Whether it is a residual bump, asymmetry of the tip cartilages, or differences in the shape of the nostrils, less than perfect results in rhinoplasty are not rare. One reason is that rhinoplasty surgery is not easy. I consider it the most difficult of all cosmetic facial surgeries. And the way tissues heal and shrink after surgery is not always predictable which can cause undesired results in even the best performed rhinoplasty.

Historically, rhinoplasty surgery was performed in a 'closed' fashion, meaning work was done by looking up inside the nose. You don't have to be a plastic surgeon to realize that it is difficult to see up through the nostrils...and do exacting work on its delicate structures. As a result, the need for a second surgery after an initial rhinoplasty using a closed approach was not low, averaging a rate of 10% to 20% if not higher. It took a lot of years and a lot of rhinoplasty surgery cases to become really good at it. In other words, the learning curve was long and steep.

In contemporary rhinoplasty, improved methods have resulted in lower revision rates down around 5% or less. One of these newer methods is the conversion to the 'open' approach, meaning the skin is peeled back and the structures of the nose can be widely seen. The concept of peeling the skin off of the nose sounds horrifying to many patients. And justifiably so. But the reality is this is all done using just a tiny incision at the midway point of the skin between the nostrils. And when that scar heals, it is very difficult to impossible to see in most patients. This is a very small price to pay for improved rhinoplasty results. It is more accurate and predictable if you can see more clearly what you are doing.

Medical Evaluation and Clearance For Body Contouring Surgery

2008-10-29T13:33:00.001-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Many body contouring surgery procedures have a significant impact and stress on your system. Extreme weight loss patients are more likely than normal weight patients to have some changes in their blood chemistries as well as heart and lung issues that may impede healing and place their general health at risk. For these reasons, all extreme weight loss patients will require medical clearance by their primary care physician before surgery. It is critically important that any medical condition be identified and treated beforehand.

Many extreme weight loss patients see their physicians routinuely and get regular laboratory studies. The important laboratory tests to get or to have are a complete blood count (CBC), metabolic panel, bleeding time, and electrocardiogram. (EKG) The CBC evaluates the health of your white blood cells (fights infection), hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying capacity) and platelets. (helps clotting) Changes in normal for any of these blood cells will delay surgery until the reasons are found and corrected. The metabolic panel tests more than a dozen functions of your organs, most pertinently the levels of electrolytes (which help your heart and body work) and your protein and albumin levels. (which are indicators of your nutritional status) The bleeding time tests how long it takes for your blood to clot. (a critical issue when large segments of skin are being removed) The well known EKG tests the electrical activity of the heart, ruling out heart rhythm problems and evidence of past heart attacks. Any abnormalities in any of these tests are likely to require further testing.

As long as these tests have been performed within six months of your scheduled surgery, and the results are normal, no additional presurgical testing will be needed. With normal laboratory studies, your physician should be able to provide written medical clearance for your bariatric plastic surgery.

Liposuction Sculpting of the Calves and Ankles

2008-10-29T13:32:00.004-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Thick calfs and ankles in an otherwise not overweight female is not a rare problem. It is frustrating for these women as it is just the way their body was made and is not a reflection of their lack of effort to try and reduce it. (which they can not) While liposuction is commonly performed all over the body, the calf and ankle is not an area treated by all plastic surgeons.

I find that calf and ankle liposuction can be a very successful procedure. But unlike other areas where liposuction is performed, patient selection and education are critical if a satisfied outcome is to be achieved. First and foremost, this Is not a procedure for overweight patients. Liposuction below the knee is for the patient who is out of proportion. Someone who is thick in the knee and ankle area but is not obese. Neither is it good for legs that are thick because of being very muscular or big-boned. In neither of these patients can you get a good shape, no matter how much fat you remove.

The best test is to pinch up the area between the fingers and see if you can 'pinch an inch'. If the skin and tissues are thick and can not be made to bunch up between the fingers, this is a poor sign for a good result.

When doing calf and ankle liposuction, there are two fundamental approaches. The first approach is spot reduction. This means treating just a few areas to get more shape, such as just below the knee on the inside of the lower leg and then from the inner calf down to the ankle. The idea is to get a better calf outline and shape. The best way to find the right areas to suction is to have the patient stand on their toes and outline the the calf muscle, marking above and below the muscle outline.

The other approach is to an overall circumferential reduction of the entire calf done below the knee to the just above the ankle. Spot reduction is obviously easier, but circumferential reduction actually makes the leg smaller. For those patients considering circumferential reduction, they must be prepared for months of swelling and a fairly long time to see the final result. (at least 3 or 4 months).

Very small cannulas in the calf and ankle area are used as it is important to avoid taking away too much fat too quickly. It is easy to create indents in these areas, particularly around the ankle area. There is not a lot of fat in this area and the use of very small cannulas is one way to avoid this problem.

How to Manage Your Scars After Plastic Surgery

2008-10-29T13:32:00.003-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Surgical incisions and the scars they create are a concern for patients of all kinds. After surgery, most people ask how to take care of a scar so that it looks as unnoticeable as possible. While time and the mature healing of wound tissue is a major element in the ultimate appearance of a scar, there are a variety of things that you can do to affect both the speed and final look of your scars.

1) If your surgical incisions are left open at the end of the operation (usually occurring in facial procedures), keep them covered with Bacitracin ointment 2 to 3 times per day. Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of the Bacitracin is to keep the incision/sutures soft (for easier removal), not to decrease the risk of infection. Once the sutures are removed, apply a very light layer of Bacitracin ointment twice a day for an additional week.

2) If the surgical incisions are taped (usually body procedures), leave the tapes on until Dr. Eppley removes them. It is perfectly acceptable to get the tapes wet in the shower. They will not easily fall off as they are glued in place. When your tapes are removed for the first time, new tapes may

be put back to cover the incisions for another week.

3) Scar management strategies, and your participation, begins three (3) weeks after your surgery. At this time, all sutures and tapes have been removed and the incision is sufficiently healed to start topical therapies.

4) The best topical treatment to apply is SCARGUARD, a proprietary blend of Vitamin E, hydrocortisone (steroid), and silicone. These are the only three topical agents that are known to improve scars. Three weeks after surgery, apply SCARGuaRD twice a day-in the morning and evening. It is easy to apply, and dries quickly and invisibly.

5) Apply SCARGUARD between three weeks and three months after surgery.

6) Scars that are exposed to the sun in the first 6 months following surgery have a tendency to darken and become rougher in texture. Exposure to UV rays does not have a positive effect on the final look of scars, so it is crucial to protect them during outdoor activities. I recommends applying a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection prior to any UV exposure.

7) In some cases, occlusive taping or silicone sheeting of the scars (e.g., breasts, abdomen) may be recommended in certain body areas that are prone to poor scarring. Materials and application instructions will be provided at that time should this scar technique be felt to be advantageous.

How Long Will My Body Contouring Surgery Be?

2008-10-29T13:32:00.001-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Body contouring surgery, also known as bariatric plastic surgery, is unique in that many of the operations are long. Removing and reshaping loose hanging skin is tedious. Or to put it more graphically...there is a lot of cutting and sewing to be done in most body contouring surgeries.

While patients almost always ask how long any surgery is (you can argue you are asleep, what does it matter), this is still an understandable question particularly for the waiting families who are not asleep. And in most cases, it is also fairly predictable since after years of doing similar procedures, the plastic surgeon should have a pretty good idea as to how long it takes. The importance of accurately predicting the length of the operation also has economic impact. Since most body contouring surgeries are not covered by insurance, there is a fee per time cost for the use of the operating room and the anesthesiologist. You need to know the time of the operation and the cost upfront.

Lengths of surgery time will certainly vary based on the plastic surgeon. A longer or shorter operative time doesn't make one plastic surgeon better or worse than another. Every plastic surgeon operates at their own speed and comfort zone. So don't compare plastic surgeons by time. A longer or shorter operative time doesn't necessarily mean a better or worse result. As I always says...I don't get any rewards for being fast...I only get rewards (and patient happiness) from a good result, regardless of the time it took to get there. Nobody has yet to tell me....'Doc, the result is terrible but it was really fast!'

With that thought in mind, here are some approximate operative times based on some of the most common body contouring procedures. Abdominoplasty/Panniculectomy 2 - 4 hours, Arm Lift 2 - 2.5 hours, Back Lift 1 -2 hours, Body Lift 4 - 6 hours, Breast Lift/Reduction 2 - 3 hours, Facelift 2 - 3 hours, and Thigh Lift 2 - 3 hours.

Also remember that operative includes other events than actual surgery. The measurement of operative time starts the second you walk into the operating room and doesn't stop ticking until you are wheeled out on a stretcher. So events such as prepping and draping, positioning and turning you during surgery, and the application of dressings all counts as surgery time.

Breast Augmentation - Saline Versus Silicone and Procedures

2008-10-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

By Amy Nutt

Breast augmentation, a cosmetic surgery where a medical prosthesis is used to enlarge the breasts, is one of the more popular enhancements around. Actresses, exotic dancers and even the everyday gal who wishes to create as sexier bustline can get this popular surgery done.

Of course, the procedure may set you back $5,000-$10,000 dollars; however, financing is available for those who desperately desire the cosmetic surgery. Before you sign up to pay off a hefty loan for the next twenty years, you may wish to learn about the implants themselves and what revolutionary new procedures reduce scarring and downtime.

Breast Augmentation Consultation

A lot of the questions you may have about surgical breast enhancement will be answered by the initial doctor's visit. Be sure to bring a list of questions you have along with you so you know what you are getting into. A reluctance to discuss the surgery or the cost of the procedure is something of a red flag. Reputable plastic surgeon wants their patients to feel entirely comfortable about their cosmetic surgery.

One for the many things you will discuss during the first office visit may be the type of implants used. The two most common implants are silicone and saline and both have their drawbacks and advantages.

Saline Implants

Encased in a silicone rubber coating, saline implants consist of a salt water solution that is close to the natural water found in the human body. There are pre filled implants and others that are adjustable so that the volume can be raised or lowered during and after the cosmetic surgery.

Advantages: Because saline implants have a sterile salt water base, they fluid is easily absorbed into the body should the implant rupture. There are far more surgical techniques that can be utilized with saline implants as well.

Drawbacks: Saline implants tend to ripple and buckle beneath the skin and feel less real then silicone implants.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants can either have a rough or smooth outer coating or have a fixed volume that cannot be altered. Although they once were considered potentially harmful, the FDA has been able to prove that silicone implants do not cause serious tissue damage or medical conditions.

Advantages: Silicone implants look and feel more like breasts and are heartier than saline so they are less apt to rupture post cosmetic surgery.

Drawbacks: Since silicone implants are not adjustable, there are only a few techniques that can be used to insert them. This often means large incisions have to be made. Also, when silicone implants rupture, the gel is not absorbed by the body.

The doctor should have several implant samples in the office. Ask to handle the implants you are considering and look into the various risks associated with both before making any firm decisions.

Breast augmentation techniques

There are several techniques that a plastic surgeon can use to put the implants in place but all largely fall under the realm of subglandular (under the breast gland) or submuscular (under the muscle). The most popular Chirurgie Esthetique Montreal option is to place the implant just under the pectoral muscle. It creates longer lasting and more realistic results, but often requires general anesthesia and longer recovery time.

Several different types of incisions can be made to introduce the implants as well, however, the most contemporary cosmetic surgeries, even those that are introduced via the belly button, are complimented by saline implants due to their inflatable nature.

Just realize that any implant you obtain, whether saline or silicone, are not permanent and have to be replaced. Some implant manufacturers even offer a replacement program. Before you decide on breast augmentation, learn all you can about this popular cosmetic surgery procedure. By doing this, you can all but guarantee stellar results!

Montreal Cosmetic Surgery Clinic offers many cosmetic surgery options such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty. When you are doing research for cosmetic surgery, consider Chirurgie Esthetique Montreal.

Considering Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

2008-10-28T13:49:00.003-07:00

By Violet Williams

More information on cosmetic plastic surgery and liposuction is just a click away.

Face-Off - Stealing Your Neighbor's Looks?

2008-10-28T13:49:00.001-07:00

By Sarah Pauer

In a whim director John Woo lets main character Sean Archer from the popular nineties movie Face/Off switch looks with his antagonist Castor Troy. Secretly in a hyper advanced medical facility a method has been developed to achieve ultimate face lifts, that of taking on another face literally. Why settle with improving your face contours when you may get yourself completely new ones? But how realistic was the movie really, and what are the medical limitations with cosmetic plastic surgery?

The human organism could be said to automatically resist change. We are built to keep our weight, keep our skin barrier complete, to eradicate invading germs and to keep a balanced temperature even though the surroundings change. These are limitations which never bothered Mr. Woo in his sleep with. But as soon as your cosmetic face lift surgeon even breaks the stratum corneum of your skin (the outermost layer) he must consider many such factors.

All three levels constituting the skin - epidermis, dermis and subcutis - are detached from Nicolas Cage's skull in one single piece. This leaves his character Sean Archer with his facial bones basically only covered with deeper vessels, fascia and muscle layers. His face is then lifted off and replaced with another man's. To achieve the highest level of completion and to really make the new face fit snuggly, Archer's facial bones are re-sculpted.

Let us direct our attention to these techniques in reversed order. Cosmetically changing your facial bones to achieve a new look can be done, however as most of us know it is often easier to remove than to add. When adding to your face your plastic surgeon has to use material from your own body. Bone pieces from your pelvis may be used to enhance your nose or to give your cheeks another angle. This is because your body will resist tissue not recognized as your own. This makes it very hard to do any larger changes, as there really aren't any fabricated materials your body readily would accept.

This brings us to the next part, that of attaching a larger piece of another human onto yourself. Pick 100 strangers from the street and none of them would suit as donators for this facelift switch extraordinaire. Even if you chose your own sister you would have to be treated with massive amounts of immunosuppressant for the rest of your life. This is one of the reasons to why it is so hard to find for example kidney donors - two different body systems never ever match completely and most of the times really not at all. This to some extent even goes for identical twins!

So what would happen to Johan Travolta and Nicolas Cage placed under the knife of a real world cosmetic surgery face lift surgeon? Their new skin grafted faces would literally be eaten by their own internal defenses. And where does that leave us? Could cosmetic facelifts as these never be achieved? Well as always time will tell, but we would be in need of a completely new series of immune system modulators to begin with. Not to mention surgical precision at a new level.

Until we meet again, let me give you some advice. As goes with make-up, let face lift cosmetics enhance and improve your looks, but not totally change them. With the newly acquired knowledge from this article - what do you really think happened to Michael Jackson's face?

Sarah Pauer is a medical professional and freelance writer, with knowledge on secondary cosmetic surgery facelift and cosmetic surgery face lift techniques. She writes medical articles for many kinds of informational websites.

Want to Carve Years Off of Your Face? What Are the Benefits and Dangers of Face Lifts?

2008-10-28T13:48:00.006-07:00

By Patricia Wagner

Are you unhappy about what your mirror tells you? Does it show you wrinkles and sagging flesh that used to be so youthful?

You probably know that if you choose a skillful plastic surgeon, he or she can probably remove 10 or 15 years off of your appearance!

What could that mean to you?

If you want to have a face lift, your skin must have elasticity to it and you need strong bone structure to qualify for this surgical procedure.

Here are some sobering side effects that could happen to you if you decide to have a face lift. They hardly ever happen, but they can still occur.

1. Some of your facial nerves could be injured resulting in lack of mobility of some facial muscles.

2. Some of your facial tissues could actually die in the process.

3. Your incisions could become infected.

4. This surgery can even kill you in a worst case scenario.

There is less risk today than years ago when face lifts first became popular, but the risks are still there.

If you wish to brave the possible side effects of a face lift, be sure to choose your surgeon wisely and follow his or her guidance as you go through this procedure.

Face lifts are more affordable now than ever, so more people are choosing to have this procedure done.

Are you wondering if a cosmetic face lift could help you look younger? Are plastic surgery risks worth it?

What is Tummy Liposuction?

2008-10-28T13:48:00.005-07:00

By Marissa Drake

Possible side effects

Irregularities of the skin
Scarring
Excessive bleeding
Swelling
Bruising
Soreness
Blood clots
Infection
Allergic reaction to the anesthetic

While the above list may seem large, tummy liposuction is relatively safe. In most cases, bruising, swelling and soreness diminish and fade over several months.

Tummy liposuction isn't the answer to everything. Once you've had the surgery, you will have to regulate your diet and exercise on a regular basis in order to maintain your results.

To learn read about real life plastic surgery experiences visit Plastic Surgery Cafe.

Body Contouring and Facial Rejuvenation Insights

2008-10-28T13:48:00.003-07:00

By Kent Harper

Facial rejuvenation and body contouring are becoming several of the in demand, current operations for aesthetic surgery. Both are broad terms that can encompass a large range of procedures. Each cosmetic surgery option has the power to transform a person, taking years from their image. Many surgeons are presently offering these new cosmetic options.

Unlike body contouring, facial rejuvenation calls upon many major permanent cosmetic surgery, minor simple surgical procedures, with simple basic facial treatments. Proof of age can be more visible on the human face than any individual area of the figure. Facial rejuvenation is a process using a collage of processes to help a host of applications at work.

Facial rejuvenation and body lifts can imply many things to separate aesthetic surgeons. There exist non-invasive procedures employed to aid slight skin imperfections. There are several plastic surgery procedures that might largely help the face's appearance. The most successful approach can be a combination of procedures for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation strategy.

Many are contemplating body contouring. You've read about removing body fat, labiaplasty, overall body contouring plastic surgery, abdominal etching, panniculectomy, cellulite treatments, implants, varicose vein treatment and much more; these work as one to form body contouring. Listed are some choices:

Body Fat Transfers- These transfers provide a basic way to round out the with small disproportionate features.

Body Implants- Implant treatment is a proven way of helpful cosmetic procedure. Today, a few plastic surgeons do this procedure, which enhances muscular looks and corrects imbalanced regions.

Body Lift- For fixing up after significant fat loss, or addressing the typical problems of aging, a body lift is one excellent way to contour the thighs.

Panniculectomy- Panniculectomy is a option to get rid extra skin in the ab area that typically reaches under the belly button, extending around the back. This surgery doesn't tighten the muscles, as in "tummy tuck", but can be completed after abdominoplasty.

Abdominal Etching- This procedure will help you to display your ab muscles. If you've got toned abs, you will be quite able to see them.

Labiaplasty- Cosmetic surgery of the labia majora gives psychological benefits for women. This very specialized cosmetic surgery requires much experience. The few MDs who are qualified, think of the procedure as an art form, using special techniques to produce customized results for each patient.

Spider Veins- Spider vein surgery rids spider veins and associated pains for good. These veins are extra veins that the body doesn't need.

Cellulite- This will happen from age changes, bringing biological alterations to the surface fat layer. Cellulite riddance has proven very cumbersome, with old methods focusing on surface means. It has been much improved.

Body contouring and facial rejuvenation are several important operations these days. If you are looking into these, find a specialist who works in body contouring and facial plastic surgery. There exist more procedures now than any time before, and new technologies are helping the evolution of body lifts and facial rejuvenation to higher levels. Many individuals are even pushing for complex marriages of the separate procedures, truly building a enhanced look. These are both powerful plastic procedures. Once again, if you are interested in a procedure like these, find a plastic surgeon who has a excellent track record of building great images for patients.

Visit the following sites for more cosmetic surgery information:
Facial Rejuvenation: http://findfacialrejuvenation.com/
Body Contouring: http://findbodycontouring.com/

Liposuction - A Body Contouring Solution

2008-10-28T13:48:00.001-07:00

By Justin DiMateo

There are often common misconceptions about many of today's cosmetic procedures and treatments that seem to flood the market. Many of these treatments are very effective and valuable treatment options for patients seeking the services of cosmetic surgery. However, many patients confuse the uses of each treatment and mistake their own candidacy for these treatments.

One such procedure that is often misunderstood is liposuction. Commonly thought of as a quick weight loss solution for overweight and obese individuals, it is actually no such thing. It is best described as a body contouring treatment, used primarily for those patients with isolated, localized pockets of fat or fatty cells. Those searching for weight loss solutions should consult their physician for other options, steering clear from this cosmetic surgical procedure, as it is not intended to be used as the treatment many mistake it for. Liposuction can, however, be a viable and very valuable option for those looking to rid themselves of embarrassing pockets of localized fat. Some areas do not respond well to exercise and may be tougher to shape than other areas of one's body. This is where liposuction comes into play as an effective option in removing these unwanted fat pockets to help patients look and feel their best.

Liposuction is usually performed using a general anesthetic or a localized anesthetic if the area is small enough and need be. Surgeons should place incisions in the least conspicuous places to maintain the cosmetic nature of the procedure. After all, most would consider trading pockets of fat for noticeable, unsightly scarring a push. Using a device called a 'cannula', surgeons remove the unwanted fat from the patient's body and damage the remaining fat cells. The body then removes or repairs these remaining, damaged fat cells, often taking weeks to complete. It should be pointed out that removing an excess of fat in one area might cause dents to appear in the patient's body. That is why the surgeon should remove only the top layer of fat during surgery.

Plastic surgery has become very popular over the past couple of decades and indications are that the trend will continue. Liposuction, many may be surprised to learn, is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States, thus indicating the importance of this procedure for many Americans. As is true with many things in life and in medicine, communication can help to solve many problems. The surgeon and the patient should be on the same page about the procedure and the responsibilities the procedure brings to the patient. As mentioned previously, this procedure is not meant to be a weight loss solution, but as a body contouring option. Healthy individuals are the best candidates and maintaining a health lifestyle is important after the procedure is performed. All of the patient's previous medical history and complications faced in the past should be disclosed so that the physician can better serve and treat the patient in a safe and reliable manner. As with any medical procedure, certain risks are inherent. Discussing all possible complications and risks prior to the procedure is wise, as it allows the patient to fully understand the treatment and all of the responsibilities that go along with it.

Visit the website Laser Liposuction in Portland for more information on the laser procedure for skin or for more information in Oregon on Portland Lipodissolve.

How to Find the Right Surgeon For Your Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

2008-10-28T13:47:00.004-07:00

By Elisa Cruz

More information on liposuction and a cosmetic plastic surgery doctor in your area is just a click away.

Wound Healing Risks of Body Contouring Surgery After Extreme Weight Loss

2008-10-28T13:47:00.003-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

What Are the Major Risks of Body Contouring Surgery

2008-10-28T13:47:00.001-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Some Fort Worth Liposuction and Houston Liposuction Surgeons to Consider

2008-10-26T00:19:00.003-07:00

By Jerry Shepard

The second largest state in the U.S., Texas, seems to have almost as many image-conscious people living in it as the largest - California. People go to the gym to workout and they alter their diet in order to look better and feel better. Sometimes their efforts don't go as far as they'd like and they opt to help remove the remaining fat via Liposuction surgery. If they live in Texas, they have a wide range of Liposuction surgeons to choose from.

When looking for Liposuction in Fort Worth, Dr. Raymond Faires, MD, FACS is one of the options that Texas residents have. Dr. Faires is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as a Fellow of American College of Surgeons. Dr. Faires is a member of (including but not limited to) the Texas Surgical Society, the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. Dr. Faires also served time as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Harris Methodist Fort Worth.

If you happen to live in Houston, then Dr. Christopher Patronella, MD, FACS, FICS is definitely a choice to consider. Dr. Patronella's liposuction specialties include abdominal liposuction, thigh liposuction as well as facial and neck liposuction.

Dr. Patronella is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons. Additionally, he is a member of the American Society for Plastic Surgeons. His work in the field of plastic surgery has been so superb that he was given the honor of his induction into the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

As always, when considering Liposuction Surgery be sure you contact your surgeon and talk with them about their experience, their techniques as well as their expectations for your surgery (as well as yours).

Learn more about Liposuction Houston and Liposuction Fort Worth at the author's website.

Los Angeles and San Diego Liposuction Surgery - A Few Options

2008-10-26T00:19:00.001-07:00

By Jerry Shepard

If you live in California, chances are that you are caught up in the same body-image craze that permeates the state. The cult of body worship is the most prevalent in Los Angeles and San Diego. One method by which Californians keep their bodies looking perfect is via Liposuction Surgery. Since Liposuction is almost as commonplace in California as getting one's wisdom teeth pulled, naturally there are many competent surgeons to choose from. Dr. Dennis Hurwitz and Dr. Splinter are two such surgeons.

If you are looking for Los Angeles Liposuction, then Dr. Dennis Hurwitz might be a good choice for you. Dr. Dennis Hurwitz, MD, FACS is a highly regarded and respected surgeon throughout the United States. He has performed procedures, both cosmetic and reconstructive, for thousands of appreciative patients. Dr. Hurwitz is the pioneer of the world-famous "Total Body Lift" surgery. He has been featured on such programs as INSIDE Edition, The Discovery Health Channel, ABC Primetime and the Today Show. Dr. Hurwitz is a recognized expert and a lecturer of worldwide experience on the topics of plastic surgery. These lecture topics cover a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures that also include his "Total Body Lift" procedure. He is the author over well over 100 books and articles that cover the gamut from body contouring to cleft lips and cleft palates.

If however, you are living in San Diego, the perhaps Dr. RJ Splinter might fit the bill. Dr. Splinter is a board-certified surgeon with over two decades of experience with reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Splinter is a member of ( including but not limited to) the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons.

If you are looking for Liposuction surgery in either Los Angeles or San Diego, these two surgeons might be what you're looking for.

Learn more about Los Angeles Liposuction and San Diego Liposuction at the author's website.

Considering Liposuction Surgery? What to Look For in a Liposuction Surgeon

2008-10-26T00:18:00.005-07:00

By Jerry Shepard

Like most surgeries, your results are only as good as the surgeon who is performing surgery itself. With Liposuction Surgery this is also important, simply because the results of the surgery will be visible to everyone who lays eyes on you. In order to find the best person for the job you will need to become familiar with what credentials are important in a Liposuction surgeon. If you are looking for Los Angeles Liposuction or Liposuction in Fort Worth you can generally find many surgeons that are advertising their services. But how will you know which surgeon is right for you?

The first step is to contact the surgeons in your area and arrange a meeting with them to talk about their experience, education and the aspects of the surgery ( i.e. - the results you expect and the results they believe they can deliver). Most surgeons will be happy to meet potential clients and will jump at the chance to put your mind at ease or counsel you for or against the procedure you are seeking.

When you are talking to the surgeon, be sure to ask them about their education and experience. You will want a surgeon who is board-certified for the type of surgery you are seeking. Board certification is a MUST as it establishes that the surgeon has demonstrated proficiency performing a peer-reviewed skill set. Another credential that is highly sought for your surgeon is if they are a FACS. FACS stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. The reason Fellowships are highly sought is that they are the pinnacle of training any surgeon can achieve.

So now that you've spoken to the surgeon about their education, experience and the surgery the final criteria to judge them by is your "feeling" about them. Since your body, and potentially your life, is in their hands you should always select the person with whom you feel comfortable.

As mentioned above, if you're looking for Los Angeles Liposuction or Liposuction in Fort Worth, you should have plenty of board certified and FACS surgeons to choose from. Its up to you to find the right one.

Learn more about Los Angeles Liposuction and Liposuction Fort Worth at the author's website.

Weight Loss Surgery - Are You a Candidate?

2008-10-26T00:18:00.003-07:00

By James P Wilkinson

There are those of us who try each and every diet but never stick it out and this will be the reason we don't lose the weight we set out to. For the rest, the ones who really try hard through thick and thin but never seem to shift the weight, desperation can settle in.

You should only resort to weight loss surgery if you are one of the latter people - these procedures are designed to help you lose weight quickly and safely but still over a period of 1-2 years and if you are not committed to your new healthy lifestyle you could find the weight taking much longer to shift.

But just how do you know if you are a candidate? Well here's the answer:

For starters you will need to be over the age of 18 as this is a decision that cannot be made by a minor and should only be considered once you have reached the end of puberty.

Weight loss surgery of any kind should only be considered if your Body Mass Index is higher than 30; you should also not have any history of heart problems or be taking any on going medication for any cardiovascular conditions.

If you know of a metabolic or physiological condition which could be responsible for your increased weight then surgery is again not a wise decision and may not yield the results you are expecting.

If you are committed to losing the weight and keeping it off and motivated to undergo the post operation lifestyle changes then this surgery is worth considering.

Like any form of cosmetic surgery, you should think carefully before making a decision about undergoing weight loss surgery. Procedures are now much safer and the techniques used much more advanced so you can feel confident in the results.

Plastic Surgery - What Can it Do?

2008-10-26T00:18:00.001-07:00

By James P Wilkinson

Plastic surgery is a topic of much more depth than you might at first think - It used to be a more limited subject back in the days before procedures became advanced and more enhancements were offered - there was certainly very little you could have changed.

Nowadays there are an innumerable amount of procedures you can opt for and you can have virtually anything about your appearance altered.

You'll all be familiar with the face-lift, a procedure whereby excess skin is removed and muscle tightened in the face and all through small incisions hidden in the hairline. This can give you a much younger and fresher look and has become much less obvious in recent years due to the advancements in the procedures and the techniques used.

The other commonly opted for procedure and one all the stars choose - lower eye bag removal. This plastic surgery procedure removes the fatty deposits from beneath the eye and the excess skin is then trimmed to give a much more youthful appearance.

Now some you might like to know a bit more about:

• Rhinoplasty - Nose surgery whereby any unsightly bumps or imperfections in the symmetry of the nose are corrected.

• Otoplasty - Ear surgery whereby protruding ears are made to sit closer in to the head by removal and reshaping of cartilage.

• Breast enlargement - this is a well known procedure that has been around for many years with recent advancements in implants making it much safer along with the use of keyhole surgery which reduces scarring at incision sites.

• Breast reduction - this is a procedure often overlooked but can be a god send if your breasts are out of proportion for your size or after dieting to achieve that thinner look.

• Weight loss surgery - there are a variety of choices including liposuction and the now commonly used procedures such as Laparoscopic band placement and Gastric bypass surgery which help you loose a good amount of weight slowly and safely.

Plastic surgery can give you a variety of options for self improvement. Cosmetic surgery procedures have advanced vastly in recent years and if you use an approved and experienced surgeon you can be sure of good, long lasting results. Why not search for Plastic surgery uk on the internet to give you a variety of options.

What Causes Lower Eyelid Bags and How Do You Get Rid of Them?

2008-10-26T00:17:00.002-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

As we age, most people will develop lower eyelid prominences otherwise known as lower eyelid bags. In addition to the excess skin that develops, a big part of these bags is caused by fat coming out from underneath the eye. In plastic surgery, we call this 'herniated orbital fat' which has always been believed to be caused by the weakening of the tissue that runs between the eyelid and the underlying rim of orbital bone. (known as the orbital septum) Much like a hernia, this support tissue becomes weak and allows some of the fat which wraps around the eyeball to come protruding out. As a result, lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) has traditionally involved removing this overhanging fat as well as the extra skin to make this area look better and smoother.

A recent study published in the September 2008 issue of the journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, looked at the progressive development of these lower eyelid fat prominences to try and explain why we see with age. Their objective was to evalute more closely the long-held belief of a fat hernia under the eye. Through MRI studies of forty patients of different ages, measurements were taken of the eye, fat and surrounding bone. What they found was that the eyeball stayed in the same position throughout life but the amount of fat around the bottom part of the eye actually increased as we age. These measurements suggest that as we age there is actual fat expansion below the eye that accounts for the development of the lower eye bags.

Recent thoughts on aging lower eyelid (blepharoplasy) procedures have leaned toward doing more of a hernia repair rather than relying on traditional excision for management of the lower eyelid bags. These study findings, however, indicate that the removal of lower eyelid fat is still a good thing to do and is an important component of lower eyelid procedures for many aging patients. There is always the concern that removing this fat may make the eye look 'too hollow' over time. But this is not something that I have observed nor do I see it reported in the plastic surgery literature.

Lower eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgery is done through a small incision underneath the eyelash line and extended a little bit out from the corner of the eye. The skin and muscle and lifted up, fat removed, and the extra skin trimmed and put back in place. Eyelid surgery has very little discomfort but the swelling and bruising do make for a social recovery of 7 to 10 days.

The Ten Instructions After Your Body Lift Surgery

2008-10-26T00:17:00.001-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Body lifts are almost exclusively done in the bariatric surgery patient who has undergone massive weight loss. (> 100 lbs) A body lift is a combined frontal tummy tuck and a posterior buttock lift with a resultant 360 degree (circumferential) scar. While good care after a body lift is not hard, the need for management of several drains can be challenging.

1. Body lifts usually have only a moderate amount of postoperative discomfort as only skin and fat have been removed and no muscle work is usually done. In addition to taking your pain medication, avoid bending over too far forward as this will stretch and put pressure on the back incision.

2. You will have as many as four (4) drains coming out of the pubic and back area after surgery. They will be removed when the drainage is sufficiently low. As a general rule, I do not worry about measuring how much comes ouot of the drains as I do not remove them in body lifts for a full two weeks after surgery.

3. Feel free to walk around beginning the day after surgery. This will help keep the circulation going in our calfs to prevent blood clots and will help you breather deeper to prevent a lung infection.Do as you feel comfortable. You will definitely tire much more easily than you will expect and will do so for up to 6 weeks after surgery. It's a big surgery so expect somewhat of a big recovery in terms of getting back to feeling normal.

4. You may take a shower on the 2nd day after surgery. Do not worry about getting the drains or tapes wet. Do not take a bath or get in a jacuzzi until you are well out from having your drains removed. (at least 3 weeks after surgery)

5. Tapes are usually placed across the abdominal and back incisions. They should be left in place and do not require any care. They will be removed within the first two weeks after surgery.

6. You are to continue wearing your circumferential binder for 2 weeks or more after surgery.

As these binders have a tendency to ride up, it is important to keep them repositioned low over the hips so some pressure can be maintained over the incision site.

7. Numbness of the abdominal and back skin is to be expected and complete return of feeling may take up to 6 months after surgery. During this period, exposure to heat (e.g., hot tubs, heating pads) should be done with this consideration in mind to avoid potential burn injuries.

8. Avoid exercise and heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery. Abdominal stress and abdominal specific exercises can be resumed 8 weeks after surgery.

9. You may drive when you feel comfortable and can react normally and are off pain medication. Driving is all about whether you are safe to yourself and others on the road.

10. It is not rare to have some small openings along your extensive incision line which develops several weeks after surgery. This is either sutures which are coming to the surface or small areas that have slightly separated due to tension and movement on the wound.

Simply keep them covered with antibiotic ointment and a dressing and they will go on to

heal on their own. It is ok to get them wet in the shower.

Restoring a Youthful Appearance to the Aging Hand

2008-10-26T00:16:00.004-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Do your hands give away your age? In many people, the hands are just as revealing as our faces about our age. But our faces understandably get much more attention and the hands are often forgotten. (but not unseen by others) As we age, our hands (particularly women) loose that once plump fullness and youthful look. Aging hands become thinner with vein and joint exposure, loose fine skin, and brown spots over the back of them. These changes occur from chronic sun exposure and extensive use. While hand creams are a good first line of defense, they are not enough to produce a dramatic rejuvenating effect.

Adding volume back into the hands through injectable fillers is a good way to lessen the prominence of the veins and give a more plump appearance. The question is....which injectable filler? In my experience, you have 4 options...three off-the-shelf and one operative (which is only done if you are in the operating room anyway for other procedures)

While all of the hyaluron-based injectable fillers (e.g., Restylane, Juvaderm) are extremely well tolerated, their effects are too short-term and do nothing to stimulate actual collagen tissue ingrowth so I prefer not to use them in the hands. The particulated fillers, such as Radiesse and Artefill, are better options as they last longer and may actually help stimulate favorable tissue ingrowth for longer-term results. Radiesse uses resorbable ceramic beads in its mixture so the effects are immediate but the beads are eventually resorbed over a year or so. It is also white in color although much of this is masked by the color of the skin. Artefill uses non-resorbable plastic beads in a collagen base which is much more likely to last longer and produce a better tissue-thickening result. Because both particulated fillers have a tendency for 'clumpiness' and irregularities, injection technique is critical and it is best to not inject too much at once. A

few staged treatments (spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart) slowly adding volume, and doing daily massage over the injected areas is the best way to ensure a smooth-looking result. Sculptra is another off-the-shelf filler option that is really like injecting 'liquid plastic' rather than a bead or particulated approach. Its material is resorbable over time and you have to be really careful about adding too much volume at once as it can cause local tissue reactions. Which one of these off-the-shelf injection materials is better for the hands is not yet known....and none of them are FDA-approved as of yet for use in the hands.

Another injectable option, which has been around for a long time with a track history of use in the hands...is your own fat. This is certainly the injectable filler option with the least potential for any downside with the exception that it has not historically lasted. In the past, I have done some beautiful results with it as it fills the depressed areas between the rays (fingers) quite well creating a nice plump hand. Five to seven ccs of fat per hand (which is much more volume than one could afford with an off-the-shelf- filler) is about what each hand needs. But the long-term outcome was disappointing. Now with improved purification and concentration methods, and with the addition of PRP concentrate (extracted platelets from the patient), fat is more likely to have a better long-term result. For this reason, this is my preferred method when the patient is in the operating room anyway...particularly if they are already having a liposuction procedure.

Hand rejuvenation, sometimes referred to as a 'hand lift' (erroneous term but catchy nonetheless), is based on the concept of restoring volume. Whether it is from a synthetic injectable filler or your own fat, short-term results appear to be quite good. Whether they will stand the test of time and what complications may yet emerge is not yet known. But at this point in time, I will give it at least a temporary thumbs up with the other four fingers still in neutral position.

New Insights Into Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Plastic Surgery

2008-10-26T00:16:00.003-07:00

By Dr Barry Eppley

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a well recognized finding in a very small number of plastic surgery patients. People suffering from BDD perceive themselves as unattractive, focusing on a small physical defect or an imaginary cosmetic flaw. They frequently seek repeated plastic surgery operations, never being satisfied and always thinking that the physical problem persists. While they are at some significant risk for suicide, my observation is that they are focused on more surgery rather than taking their own lives. They are often very difficult to initially diagnose and it often takes several surgeries, with unhappy outcomes, until it becomes clear apparent that the problem is between the patient's ears.

What is the underlying cause of BDD? There has been some speculation that the cause of BDD is, at least partly, driven by society's high emphasis on appearance. Since BDD is a more recent diagnosis and the upsurge in cosmetic surgery is also fairly new, the potential cause and effect relationship between the two seems obvious. However, recent research published in the December 2007 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that it may be more than just an environmental influence. Scientists at the University of California have found that there may be a visual brain glitch that makes BDD patients see the world differently. They outfitted 12 patients with goggles that showed digital images of faces that were either unretouched photographs, line drawings of faces, or images that had facial details blurred out. MRI imaging of their brains revealed that BDD patients used the left side of their brain more often than normal. As the left side of the brain is very sensitive to complex details, people with BDD may have an inaccurate visual assessment of what they see....perhaps seeing details that aren't really there. In short, they may see faces inaccurately, not as they really are.

This study certainly makes sense in that there is really an internal 'wiring' problem in what they see, not that they are just plain crazy. They may be literally seeing things that aren't there. This may perfect sense if you have ever worked with someone with BDD. They literally are showing things on their face, even with a mirror in hand, that you have a very difficult time seeing. Whether that lends them to successful psychiatric therapy, I do not know. But perhaps their brains may be capable of being retrained rather than relying on medications.

Plastic Surgery Virtual Consultations Offer Privacy and Convenience to Patients Considering Surgery

2008-10-26T00:16:00.001-07:00

By Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez

As new advances in cosmetic surgery technologies and procedures continue to emerge, plastic surgery is becoming increasingly more popular and commonplace. Thanks to the wealth of information available publicly online, patients considering plastic surgery have more resources than ever at their disposal to research procedures and physicians, including procedural videos, before and after photos, and patient testimonials-all at the click of a mouse. It is now easier than ever for patients to connect with plastic surgeons through the practice of virtual consultations, which many physicians are now offering online or over the phone. Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez, a leading cosmetic surgeon in Baltimore, offers plastic surgery virtual consultations to patients considering cosmetic surgery procedures at his clinic, CosmeticSurg.net.

What is a plastic surgery virtual consultation?

A plastic surgery virtual consultation takes the place of the more traditional in-person consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. Similar to an in-person consultation, virtual consultations typically last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes or more, depending on the needs and concerns of each individual patient. Depending on the technologies available at each clinic offering this service, virtual consultations may take place over the phone, via web cam, or through instant messenger. Dr. Rodriguez usually conducts his virtual consultations over the phone, but can accommodate iChat or video chat if his patients desire.

Before the Consultation

Patients typically fill out the required medical forms and new patient paperwork before meeting virtually with their cosmetic surgeon. Depending on the desired cosmetic procedure, patients are asked to provide photographs of their bodies from very specific angles so that the surgeon can assess their exact needs. In some cases, patients may also need to provide measurements and other related information. On his website, Dr. Rodriguez provides a detailed video guiding patients through this process step by step, which makes the process easier for patients to ensure they are providing the necessary information.

Why should I consider a virtual consultation?

Virtual consultations offer the ultimate level of privacy and convenience to cosmetic surgery patients because the consultation is conducted in the comfort of your own home. These consultations can cover many types of procedures, including breast reductions, tummy tucks, and liposuction. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure and have been researching prospective surgeons, virtual consultations are an ideal way to find a plastic surgeon with whom you feel most comfortable without having to schedule an in-person meeting. Virtual consultations are particularly beneficial to patients who need to travel long distances to seek cosmetic procedures that are not available in their immediate area. Dr. Rodriguez has been providing virtual consultations for years, and he has met and consulted with patients from around the world. Just as with an in-person consultation, all patient information disclosed in a plastic surgery virtual consultation is kept private between patient and physician. Thanks to virtual consultations, celebrities and other figures in the public eye are able to maintain absolute privacy. However, Dr. Rodriguez does require that all his patients schedule an in-person consultation with him prior to surgery.

About Dr. Rodriguez and http://www.CosmeticSurg.net

Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been in private practice for over 17 years. He has been interviewed in various magazine and cosmetic surgery trade publications, and has appeared in numerous articles for Baltimore Magazine. He has also contributed comments and advice to Plastic Surgery News and Cosmetic Surgery Times. Throughout Dr. Rodriguez' training, he co-authored and published many articles about wound care and breast reduction. While teaching at Yale University Medical School, he also conducted research on skin grafting with Dr. Charles Cuomo.

Lip Augmentation Can Help You Have Full, Sexy Lips

2008-10-26T00:15:00.002-07:00

By Dave Stringham

It is no coincidence that many of today's celebrities have full, sexy lips. Even the ones with naturally thin lips often have lip augmentation in order to achieve the perfect pout. Throughout history, full lips have been a sign of youth and beauty. However, as we age, lips tend to get thinner due to diminishing levels of collagen in the skin. Lips may also wrinkle making you look and feel older than you really are. Fortunately, lip augmentation is available to give you fuller, younger looking lips that help improve sexual and self confidence. Lip augmentation can also make your entire face look younger by reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth. Lip augmentation is becoming increasingly popular due to speedy recovery times and quick results.

Candidates for lip augmentation include: people with thin lips; wrinkled lips due to aging or smoking; asymmetrical lips or those in need of lip reconstruction.

Lip Augmentation can be performed through injections of natural or synthetic materials. Below are a few popular lip augmentation procedures to consider:

Collagen: Collagen is a safe non-surgical approach to replacing the skin's natural collagen. Collagen can be injected in vertical lip lines and along the edge of the lip to enhance the definition of the lip border and make the lips appear fuller and more youthful. Collagen may last up to 3 months.

Captique: Captique Injectable gel -- a new dermal filler product based on Genzyme's non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (HA) technology. This is a soft tissue filler that enhances lips giving them a naturally full, plumper, youthful look.

Restylane: Like Captique, Restylane is a premier wrinkle filler because it is a safe, non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. It is injected to fill out creases and lines and gives your lips a fuller, plumper, youthful look. Both Captique and Restylane last approximately 4-6 months.

Juvederm has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid currently in a filler-- making it smoother than other fillers. Due to the high concentration of hyaluronic acid and a smooth formula, Juvederm will enhance your lips up to 6 months.

Fat Transfer: For permanent, natural enlargement of the lips, fat can be harvested from one area of the body and reinjected into the lips. Fat injections have the advantage over other fillers because it is permanent but some patient may experience lumpiness. Your surgeon will help you make the lip augmentation choice that is right for you depending upon your health and aesthetic goals.

Beverly Hills Physician is an online resource for lip augmentation in Beverly Hills. Learn more about this and other plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures at http://www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com/index.php and http://www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com/services-plastic-cosmetic/lip_augmentation.php

Do You Want to Increase Breast Size Naturally? 3 Easy Tips

2008-10-26T00:15:00.001-07:00

By Benjamin Wise

The majority of women who want to increase their breast size do so to improve their appearance and self esteem. Many women chose to increase their breast size by undergoing surgery, whereas today a growing number of women are looking to enhance their breasts naturally.

The reasons why many women are beginning to avoid surgery, is primarily at the present moment due to the cost. Surgery can be expensive and many women report not being happy with the results afterwards. There can also be complications and of course scarring.

The good news is that there are other options.

Tip 1. Your main objective ought to be to improve your health as a whole, because this will improve your appearance and self esteem. To do this you can start with exercise, focusing on your chest muscles and shoulders.

Tip 2. Natural herbal supplements, make sure the ingredients are all natural. Also always speak to a real person before buying any supplements. Check to see if there are any clinical studies associated with the ingredients. Also check to see that the ingredients are safe, you can do this by checking them against the FDA's gras list.

Tip3. When taking herbal supplements avoid drinking coffee. You also want to focus on diet. A healthy diet will help you achieve a nutritional balance which can benefit hormones. You can also focus on increasing protein and fiber.

So there you have it, three easy tips to help you enhance your breasts naturally, I hope you found them helpful.

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Changing a Profile With Chin Surgery

2008-10-26T00:14:00.004-07:00

By Bandina Harris

When you at yourself in the mirror, are you pleased? Or, are you constantly wondering what could be done about a certain aspect of your appearance? Some people look in the mirror nonchalantly, but for the people who want to look their best, there are lots of options.

There are different kinds of surgery that can completely change the facial structure, and chin surgery is one of them. Chin surgery is chosen by a wide variety of people, some looking to get reconstructive surgery because of an accident or medial problem, and others simply because they don't like the look of their chin.

When a person is in an accident, the face is generally the first thing that ends up damaged. For example, the person might have broken their jaw and needed to have it wired shut. Once the healing process has completed, the chin might have set itself at an angle, and chin surgery can help to correct that.

Then, of course, there are the people who think that their chin is too small. One of the branches of chin surgery is chin implants, which will thus correct the issue of having a small chin. Some of the vainer men even go so far as to have this kind of surgery so that they can have a distinguished cleft in their chin! If you are someone who is thinking about having this kind of surgery, make sure that you do some research to find out if you are an applicable candidate.

More information on chin surgery and a cosmetic surgeon that performs other procedures such as male breast reduction is just a click away.

Should There Be a Limit on Cosmetic Surgery

2008-10-26T00:14:00.003-07:00

By Anthony Williams Sr.

We have all seen the photographs of public figures such as Jocelyn Wildenstein and Michael Jackson in regards to plastic surgery overkill. These are the people used as examples of why we supposedly need limits in the area of cosmetic surgery.

Their disfigured faces, destroyed through vanity and a compulsion to look a certain way, are there to remind us all of the dangers of excessive alterations.

But should a few individuals lack of judgment when it comes to their bodies reflect on society as a whole? Should their decisions be held accountable by the rest of the population?

Where does personal responsibility fit in?

There are many doctors and members of the public who believe legal limits should be imposed in the field of plastic surgery. That an arbitrary number needs to be written in the medical books so people don't have the opportunity to go overboard in nipping and tucking.

But what number will they choose? How do they know where that magical line is that will cause someone's health and appearance to decline due to cosmetic procedures? And should we allow these people to dictate to us what we can and can't do with our bodies?

Body Issues

Our bodies are unique in design and respond to external factors in different ways. For example:

Some people struggle with weight and have to watch everything they eat while others can overindulge on a regular basis and never show any negative side effects from this kind of consumption.

Of course there are also people who choose to overindulge even though the effects of eating poorly are clearly detrimental to their health.

Does that mean we should impose limits on food because there are people who choose to disregard their own safety?

The reality is that our bodies have to be treated as the individual entities that they are. Decisions regarding what our figures can and can't withstand have to come from a discussion between the person involved and their personal care physician.

Just as with many other things in life there is no hard and fast rule to determine how much cosmetic surgery someone can cope with. Some people can have ten procedures and never show any negatives signs that they had work done. Should that person be limited in their choice because someone else's body can't withstand the same?

Personal Freedom

One of the greatest things about living in a democratic nation is the personal freedom to make choices based on our personal belief systems. Does that mean everyone makes responsible choices all of the time? Of course not. But the freedom to choose is an important thing. Do you really want governments dictating what they consider to be acceptable for your body?

If someone like Jocelyn Wildenstein wants to spend 4 million dollars on plastic surgery to resemble a cat then why shouldn't she? It is her body and her money. No one else has to look in the mirror and see her face so why do we pass judgment?

There are lots of statistics in this world that people can throw around to justify limitations on anything we choose to do. There are certain people who always want to impose restrictions based on personal bias or moral judgments.

The fact is when it comes to cosmetic surgery we are talking about our bodies. Many people experience profound positive results and a radical change in self-esteem after undergoing cosmetic surgery It is a deeply personal choice and one that should remain personal.

Discussions regarding cosmetic procedures should clearly stay in the doctor's office.

The Brampton Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Clinic Brampton Cosmetics, for plastic surgery, Toronto, Ontario, has been dedicated to cosmetic surgery and skin health for over ten years.

Modern Times - No Shame in Plastic Surgery

2008-10-26T00:14:00.001-07:00

By Anthony Williams Sr.

Many things have changed since entering the 21st Century: Technological advancements, medical breakthroughs and a different philosophy to life have all combined to completely alter public perception. Long-standing taboos have been pushed aside by progressive thinking and cosmetic surgery is not only acceptable now but also celebrated.

Talk The Talk

Thirty years ago if someone dared to get plastic surgery it was done in secret. Celebrities would sneak into hospitals and clinics, claiming health problems if they were discovered.

There was stigma attached to changing your appearance and a hush-hush attitude prevailed throughout society. Everyone was still doing it just no one was talking about it.

The ironic thing about this attitude was that people had been changing their appearance for centuries. Corsets, heavy powder and wigs were all used to alter looks in times gone by. Why this desire for a different look suddenly became taboo in society is unknown. Whatever the reason for this negative perception towards changing our bodies it has certainly been shattered now and replaced with a positive outlook on personal transformation.

Today people are loud and proud about their procedures. People talk about what they've had done, who did it and how much they love it. Even men are spilling about facelifts and hair restoration in a way that never would have happened in the past.

Celebrities are walking out of clinics, bruised and wrapped, and heading over to their favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner with friends. Botox parties have become fashionable and keeping abreast of cosmetic surgical procedures is all the rage.

So What Changed?

Many things coincided to change the old attitude of cosmetic surgery being embarrassing or not something to be considered.

First was the realization of just how many people had done it behind closed doors. Celebrities began to tell the public the truth behind their ever-youthful looks.

Botox came on the scene and revolutionized cosmetic procedures. No longer did you have to go under the knife to see spectacular results and wrinkle reduction.

With more people opting for cosmetic correction the prohibitive prices came down and suddenly it wasn't just the wealthy that could afford to alter the one thing that was causing a bad self-image.

Governments did their part by introducing tighter regulations on plastic surgeons and clinics in order to ensure a higher level of safety for the patient and the media stories following all of these events brought cosmetic surgery, once and for all, out of the darkness and into the light.

Reality TV since then has come out with a number of shows that follow ordinary people going through the process of extraordinary transformations. These shows have a wide viewing audience and detail the emotional journey of someone who starts out unhappy with their appearance and leaves with a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence.

While many people agree that happiness has to come from within, what these programs have examined is the fact that for many, this is not the reality of their life. By altering the outside they are able to finally transform on the inside. It's a rewarding experience for those involved.

This kind of mass exposure to the idea of cosmetic surgery as simply a personal life choice along with the many other choices we make on a day-to-day basis is probably the biggest reason why the taboos are gone.

So, if plastic surgery is something you have considered for yourself, you can be secure in the knowledge that you are not alone. The stigma attached was left behind at the turn of the century.

The Institute For Cosmetic Surgery Toronto Canada is a fully accredited state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery facility dedicated to the highest level of patient safety, comfort and care

Why is Cosmetic Surgery Popular With Older Women?

2008-10-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

By Alice Williams

Cosmetic surgery has risen in popularity over the past couple of decades especially amongst women. Be it the removal of lines and wrinkles from their faces, or a wish to get rid of that bulging post pregnancy tummy that seems to get ever bigger with age, cosmetic surgery has become an easy way to for older women to strive for a perfect body even if such a thing doesn't actually exist.

Time was when women were expected to age gracefully. However we have developed a culture of youth and cosmetic surgery techniques have advanced over the years so that women have the option to look younger. Thin, young looking women are held up as something to aspire too. Even confident women can feel they look old and dowdy when comparing themselves with models and stars who are they same age as they are.

These days you can have botox injections at parties or during your lunch time. Your sagging breasts can be easily lifted to look like their prior youthful self, and you can have a threaded facelift that will help hold back the worst of facial sagging for a few more years. If this makes you feel better about yourself and boosts your self confidence then why not have it?

Some women are very resistant to having cosmetic surgery. It can be seen as interfering with nature. Despite what the media tends to imply there are plenty of women that successfully manage to still looking stunning as they age without needing to resort to the knife for some enhancements. This can be down to how well you looked after yourself in your younger days but genetics play a large part in it too. Things like your bone and skin structure will have an impact on how you will look as you age.

There is a definite downside to having cosmetic surgery in that it's not a permanent solution. At some point your face will begin to sag again, your wrinkles will return so you'll need some more botox injections. This means spending more money to further delay the worst affects of the aging process.

Remember if you opt for cosmetic surgery, especially on your face, little and more often will produce a more natural look than a drastic overhaul. And looking naturally youthful is what women want these days.

So why is cosmetic surgery so popular amongst older women? Because it can make you feel better about yourself. Men have it so much easier than women, the firm structure of a man's skin allows them to age gracefully. For women as they age they may still feel young and vibrant inside but when they look in the mirror they are faced with someone who looks so much older than they feel.

Cosmetic surgery has become very affordable over the years and we are no longer looking at having drastic facelifts to repair the ravages of the passing years. Cosmetic surgery can be subtle and selective. It's great if you are happy with what nature is doing to your body but for many women a little improvement with surgery can make a big difference to their self-esteem in this youth obsessed society that we live in.

Are you considering having cosmetic surgery? Have you thought about having cosmetic surgery abroad? Prices can be considerably cheaper and the facilities first class. Find more about having cosmetic surgery in Malaysia and other countries around the world.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

2008-10-26T00:12:00.004-07:00

By Usha Rajagopal

So maybe you've been counting those Weight Watchers points, and have trimmed down substantially, but still have hanging skin and fat around your belly. Or you've realized that even eating veggie Subway sandwiches for three of your three meals isn't going to get rid of your post-pregnancy bulge. Maybe you just don't want to put off looking great in a bathing suit one summer longer!

If this sounds like you, you may want to consider getting a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal muscles and gets rid of excess skin and fat. The surgery is typically performed on individuals who have had major weight loss but still have excess hanging skin and fat around their belly. Women whose abdomens have never returned to their normal state after a pregnancy also benefit greatly from a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck will generally take place in a surgeon's facility or in a hospital. It will take between two and five hours depending on the procedure. General anesthesia may be administered. You and your surgeon may also decide to use a local anesthesia combined with a sedative.

There are two primary types of tummy tucks. You and your surgeon will decide which is the right option for you.

-Complete abdominoplasty. Your abdomen will be cut from hipbone to hipbone in this procedure, the option for those patients who require the most correction. The incision will be made low, at about the same level as your pubic hair.

-Partial or mini abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasties are often performed on patients whose fat deposits are located below the navel and require shorter incisions.

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

A tummy tuck cannot take the place of exercise and a weight loss program. Results of a tummy tuck are permanent, but can be diminished by large fluctuations in your weight. Therefore, it's not a good idea to have a tummy tuck if you are planning substantial weight loss or future pregnancies. A tummy tuck will not always remove stretch marks, although if stretch marks are located on the areas of excess skin to be excised, they may be removed or improved.

In sum, abdominoplasty could be a good option for you if:

You are in good physical condition and are at a stable weight

You are a non-smoker (smoking and anesthesia are a dangerous combination)

You are bothered by the feeling that your tummy is too large

As always, you'll want to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon before making your decision.

SF Cosmetic Surgery - Dr. Usha Rajagopal

Am I a Good Candidate For Rhinoplasty? Also Know As a Nose Job

2008-10-26T00:12:00.003-07:00

By Usha Rajagopal

As a plastic surgeon, the most satisfying part of my job is seeing the excitement and increased self-confidence people feel when they look in the mirror and see the face they've always dreamed of having. Perhaps there is no other procedure that can provide such an immediate and dramatic result as rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is a simple procedure that can drastically improve the appearance and proportion of your nose-- creating facial symmetry and enhancing the natural beauty of your other features.

Rhinoplasty can change:

- nose size

- nose width (at the bridge)

- nose profile (by eliminating any bumps or depressions on the nasal bridge)

- nasal tip (of noses that are bulbous, drooping, or too upturned)

- nostril size

- nasal asymmetry

The surgical procedure takes only one or two hours and requires only one treatment. The results of a nose job are permanent.

I see many people who have felt self-concious about their nose for years, and getting rhinoplasty is one of the best decisions they've ever made. They're only regret is not getting a nose job earlier. If your nose is something that you've always been self conscious about, I encourage you to consider rhinoplasty. Wouldn't it be amazing to have the face you've always dreamed about?

For a other questions about the rhinoplasty procedure, or to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal, please visit our website: http://www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com

About the Author:

Dr. Usha Rajagopal is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 12 years experience. Her office is located in central San Francisco.

SF Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Usha Rajagopal

Non-Surgical Breast Enhancement Advantages

2008-10-26T00:12:00.001-07:00

By Sally Miller

Over the past several decades the advances in non-surgical breast enhancement technology have made this alternative easily comparable to the traditionally more respected forms of surgical enlargement. There are several crucial differences between surgical and non-surgical breast enhancing that lead different women to different alternatives depending on their personal needs. This article will discuss some of the main differences between non-surgical and surgical options as well as a brief discussion of these different methods.

As opposed to non-surgical breast enhancement, surgical procedures will obviously require a consultation with a medical professional as well as an assessment of your current state of health. This professional consultation is not required for no surgery and can be a costly factor associated with surgical procedures. In fact, one of the main differences between surgical and non-surgical breast enlargement is cost. Not only can plastic surgery be very expensive there are also many hidden costs that the consumer is often unaware of at first. For example, continued monitoring of surgical breast implants can be another factor that causes the expense of it to grow drastically. Alternatively, non-surgical breast enhancement options are usually associated with a one time cost. Moreover, the expense for non-surgical enhancing is usually presented up front with no hidden fees or monitoring costs. Many women therefore choose the no surgery option because they know exactly what it will cost and what they should expect from the results.

Another difference between surgical and non-surgical breast enhancement is the potential for complications. In recent years, the stories of complications associated with implants have become common. Women report having leaking implants, that their implants look unnatural, and they may even report serious painful symptoms. In fact, chronic pain is a very serious complication that can be associated with even so-called successful breast implant surgeries. On the other hand, non-surgical enhancing has been associated with far fewer side effects and long term complications. Alternatives tend to be safe and natural meaning that women need to be far less concerned about possible future problems.

Finally, non-surgical breast enhancement is not as permanent as surgical alternatives. Take for example a woman who has decided to try pills for the course of a few weeks. If she notices that she does not like the results she is getting or that the pills are causing unwanted side effects she is free to discontinue taking the pills. Unfortunately, for women who opt for surgery the side effects or problems will be permanent or will require more costly and dangerous surgery to correct the problem. Scarring, misshapen implants, and chronic pain are all usually permanent problems that cannot be easily rectified. Perhaps for this reason more than any non-surgical breast enhancement is superior to surgical alternatives. Indeed, most evidence and customer testimonials show that non-surgical breast enhancing treatments are not only safe but very effective.

Please visit us to learn more about breast enhancement pills and natural breast enhancement.