Cosmetic Surgery Benefits: Hard to Ignore Advantages of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is all the rage these days, with more and more people undergoing it--from Hollywood celebrities to ordinary folks. Can you blame them for wanting to improve their body? Certainly not because cosmetic procedures offer people many benefits and favorable effects. Read on below to know more about the advantages of plastic surgery.

Physical advantages - Cosmetic surgery can help repair physical deformities due to accident or injury. The same goes for people with physical deformities like mastectomy patients, people with scarring or cleft lip/palate, etc. It can as well help those who are not physically deformed, but want to aesthetically correct perceived flaws to enhance various physical traits. Changes are also immediately evident, even if they may not initially look pleasant due to swelling, bruising or scarring.

Psychological advantages - Often, the psychological benefits of plastic surgery can be way greater than the physical perks. If you hate the way you look because of a specific flaw, cosmetic procedures can help you feel better about yourself. By revamping body issues, undergoing surgery can aid in boosting your self-confidence and in giving you a more positive outlook in life. While other doctors and psychologists believe that it doesn't solve self-esteem problems, plastic surgery can be an answer to a much better emotional wellbeing.

Though plastic surgery have numerous advantages from an aesthetic and psychological point of view, it's important to keep in mind that it doesn't totally fix an individual's life. It can help deal with confidence problems, but in the end, it's still the same person who goes into and comes out of the operating room. Plastic surgery is also not a solution to a perfect body--and will never be. So never assume perfection, just huge improvement. And remember, going into surgery is a major decision and its results are permanent. So think carefully and consult a certified doctor for body lift and other cosmetic procedures before finalizing your decision.

Options For Acne Treatment

Acne is a very common problem, both among teenagers and adults. It is caused when oil and dead skin block pores and cause an infection. No one likes to have to deal with acne, but many times mild cases can be cleared up relatively quickly with an over the counter acne treatment. Those whose acne does not respond to this sort of treatment can visit a dermatologist or acne treatment clinic for help in controlling this problem.

There are a number of choices when seeking an acne treatment clinic, and these clinics offer a variety of treatment options. Some offer lines of creams and lotions that can be used to minimize the occurrence of acne, and others offer broader ranges of treatments. Treatments that might help with acne include laser and light therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Some of these treatments also have the benefit of helping to minimize the appearance of acne scars as well as helping to prevent acne.

In order to make the treatments you are receiving from the acne treatment clinic as effective as possible, it is a good idea to take some preventive measures of your own. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Don't wear heavy foundation makeup, and be sure to wash off your makeup at the end of the day. Don't wear clothing that is too tight, and shower after any activity that makes you sweaty. These actions will help to minimize the chances of oil and dead skin getting trapped and building up to cause acne. You also want to avoid touching your face or having things like phones touch your face. This is a major way to transfer bacteria to your face.

If you do happen to get acne in spite of your visits to an acne treatment clinic, you should try not to pick at it. This is a common bad habit, and it can make your acne worse. It also makes it more likely that your acne will leave scars. No treatment is going to be 100 percent successful; most treatments just make it less common for you to get acne. Also, many treatments take time to work and must be continued in order to maintain good results.

Dermatologists Recommended Machine For IPL Laser Treatment

Intense Pulsed Light IPL Laser Treatment and its Lumenis 1 machine that erases brown spots, red spots, sun spots, aging spots, acne and rosacea. Dermatologists recommended latest photo rejuvenation IPL machine that only takes 20 minutes to diminish freckles, fine lines, wrinkles on the face, neck, hands, chest and arms.

The Machine and a Clinic that uses it:

Hundreds and thousands of patients worldwide need IPL Laser Treatment due to the appearance of tiny red vessels, flushing or dark spots that make you look older than you are and older than you feel.
Practices like Miami Beach Skin Center offer a 4th Generation system for IPL Laser Treatments. The machine used in the system is called Lumenis One that uses photo rejuvenation.

The process:

It's a process that successfully diminishes the sun damage, age spots, freckles, facial veins and other cosmetic imperfections including rosacea which is a chronic skin disease with symptoms such as redness and swelling usually on the face but can also appear on the neck, ears, back, chest and scalp. Photo rejuvenation is an excellent process for damaged skin. As we age we get sun damage to our skin that appears as brown or red spots. Patients go to clinics to seek pigmentation treatment and its easy to ripple those using photo rejuvenation.

How many treatments:

The Lumenis One works on any pigmented lesion and on any vascular region. Patients will have significant improvement just after 2 to 3 treatments to last for 6 to 12 months. With Lumenis One and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) the photo rejuvenation process can treat the entire face, neck chest, hands or any other area of cosmetic concern.

How it works:

IPL works by shining a broadband of wavelengths of light into the skin. Customize of these wavelengths can be done to selectively target different structures in the skin, for instance a non wanted blood vessel or the pigment in the freckle or age spot, and with the multiple filters and a wide selection of parameters available with the system we can tailor treatment to each individual patients skin type and cosmetic concerns and the beauty of this treatment is that there's virtually no down time. IPL Laser treatment is usually pain free, some patients compare the sensation to a snap of a rubber band, anesthetic is rarely required. The Lumenis One procedure typically takes about 20 min. During treatment a thin layer of cool gel will be applied to the skin. The smooth chill sapphire crystal of the Lumenis One hand piece will then be touched lightly to your skin as pulses of light are delivered. Occasionally evidence such as redness may last for an hour or two but most patients return to their normal routine immediately after treatment.

Patients that have used other photo rejuvenation machines:

Patients that have used other photo rejuvenation machines in the past find it to be very quick so they feel that they're in and out and their back to where they need be, they also feel that there's no discomfort where as in the past with other photo rejuvenation machine they've complain of significance amount of pain, swelling and irritation after they had the treatment.
The procedure doesn't disrupt your day, it was wonderful, not painful, just very minimal discomfort.

Most patients find that their skin can look its best with four or five treatments based about one month apart, The Lumenis One is currently the best IPL Laser Treatment machine in the world, it is able to remove almost all brown spots due to the sun as well as red spots with remarkable results.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine and practiced for hundreds of years, has seen a renewed interest in the modern day, especially a type called cosmetic acupuncture. It also goes by other names including facial rejuvenation and facial acupuncture. Facial rejuvenation is a form of acupuncture that focuses upon the face and reducing the signs of aging - wrinkles, crow's feet, etc. It should be no surprise then that it is popular among women and celebrities. Yet does it actually work?

The verdict is still out on that all important subject. Proponents claim that the needles inserted into the face stimulate collagen production which clears up wrinkles. Others say that the needles relax the facial muscles and hence fight the aging process through reducing stress. The face is more relaxed so it clears up. Skeptics say it is all a placebo effect where one believes it works so it does. Few quality studies have been performed due to the challenges of creating a double blind environment. It ultimately comes down to the many personal claims people have made. The choice is for each individual to make, though one who chooses to go this route should make sure their acupuncturist is certified.

Putting aside the effectiveness of cosmetic acupuncture, the truth is acupuncture is safe. The needles pierce the upper levels of skin so one feels a prick from a needle being inserted. There is no pain and no chemicals injected into the body like in a Botox treatment. There is also no surgery or serious side effects involved that may result from a surgical facelift or Botox. The one downside to the treatment is that it can be pricey. Certified acupuncturists recommend about ten sessions and a true professional will offer a free consult. Each session can run a few hundred dollars. Then there is monthly or yearly maintenance and a fee for that. It also takes some time to perform the procedure as it is not a lunch break treatment. Taken all together if one wants to try an alternative medicinal treatment to look younger, cosmetic acupuncture is a safe gateway.

College Students Are Seeking Out Plastic Surgery

Surveys reveal alarming trends among the youth of today, who appear to be extremely eager to get under the knife to alter their looks. For many young men and women, barely out of their teens, it would appear that plastic surgery has become the panacea for their dissatisfaction with their looks.

Also, contrary to popular belief, it is not only the youth in America who are queuing up at the clinics of plastic surgeons to rectify their image of themselves. The tentacles of this trend have now spread to Korea with students in their 20's opting for cosmetic surgery to enhance their looks.

Kim Yoo-mi, a 20-year-old student in Korea is working two jobs to save money to have a nose job. Kim suffers from low self esteem and believes her nose to be the cause of it. This 20 year old believes that if she has a rhinoplasty (costing 2.5 million won) she will suddenly develop confidence and be happy with herself. Kim also hopes to have a double eyelid surgery if she can manage to save up enough money. "It's hard to work 12 hours a day, but getting my nose lifted is going to be completely worth it," Kim said.

However, unbelievable it might seem, Kim is only one of the many young women in Korea who are dissatisfied with their looks and are seeking out plastic surgery to help them "fix" their faces. The number of people looking to undergo plastic surgery is on the increase and it would appear that the patients are getting younger by the day.

Plastic Surgery On The Rise In The UK

In the United Kingdom, this desperate need for cosmetic and plastic surgery is also on the rise among the youth. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported that the number of surgical procedures have tripled in 2003 to 2008. Surgical procedures like otoplasty (ear correction surgery), male brow lift procedures, breast enhancements and augmentation are also on the rise. Non invasive procedures like chemical peels, teeth whitening and laser hair removal are also in demand among the youth apart from the demand for Botox to smoothen forehead lines, clear facial lines and what they estimate to be crow's feet.

Furthermore, medical tourism in regards to cosmetic surgery is on the rise today in the UK with cosmetic surgery centres and plastic surgery clinics offering discounts and attractive packages to entice people into getting facial enhancements, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures done.

Why Has Plastic Surgery Become a Solution for Students?

Glamour and beauty have become the order of the day and today's youth are fixated on pop stars, actors and celebrities as their role models. It has become a priority for people to have a beautiful face and a beautiful body, in order for them to fit in with social cliques; and as a result, students and young people are under a lot of pressure to look good.

Ordinary faces have disappeared from magazines, television and even newspapers and it is only the beautiful air brushed pictures of rail thin models, with pouting lips and sculpted bodies that appear on hoardings. This barrage of carefully selected beautiful people and the attention being given to looks today has caused many young people to grow up with an inferiority complex.

It is disheartening to see 20 year olds so eager to tryout dangerous surgeries where they will allow their faces to be cut and carved in an attempt to become what they feel is "beautiful." As kids they are not happy with themselves and never get in with the "it-crowd" and when they grow up and go to college and are of age - they opt for plastic surgery as a solution to their low self esteem.

How These Chemicals Affect Your Skin

According to a recent interview with Stacy Malkan, the co-founder of The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, young women use around 12 or more products a day and in doing so, are exposing themselves to over hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals.

Depending on the products you use, you are exposing yourself to several carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and irritants. According to a study published by the Mayo Clinic, these chemicals are one of the most common causes of dermatitis and similar skin problems.

Here are some of the well known problem chemicals commonly use in skin and personal care products:

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and/or Ethyl Paraben

Used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of skin and personal care products. Parabens have been reported to have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are potentially toxic.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, used as a preservative, is a known carcinogen (causes cancer). Causes allergic, irritant and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes).

Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)

DEA and TEA are often used in cosmetics and shampoos as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. They are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea

These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos, bubble baths, hand and body wash products for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Avoid at all cost.

Methylisothiazoline (MIT)

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a biocide widely used in industrial and cosmetic products and has been shown to pose a potential risk to unborn babies. It is widely used in shampoos and there very well could be neuro-developmental consequences from Mit. It is of particularly concerned to women with occupational exposure to MIT during pregnancy as there is a possibility of risk to the foetus. Avoid at all cost.

Petrolatum

Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens and are to be avoided.

Propylene Glycol

Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware-these are related synthetics. The natural versions are fine and perfectly safe, not so their synthetic counter parts.

PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons. Most Petro-chemicals are carcinogens.

Stearalkonium Chloride

A plant-derived ingredient, it reduces static electricity by neutralizing electrical charges on hair, and is a good conditioning agent. It is a quaternary ammonium compound also used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Potentially toxic.

Synthetic Colors

Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 3 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

Synthetic Fragrances

The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation-the list goes on. Synthetic fragrances should be avoided. Be careful when looking at these because often the lable may say "fragrance of Lavender", or fragrance of "Rose" or similarly popular essential oils. Fragrance of = Synthetic, NOT the real essential oil.

You can check this for yourself by simply doing a search using the terms in bold in the list and adding the following MSDS. MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, which are tests done on chemicals to establish their 'safety'.

How do you avoid these dangerous chemicals?

Simple, switch to 100% pure natural skin care products and you will eliminate the risk of being exposed to these chemicals through your skin and personal care products.

The benefits are not just that you eliminate these dangerous chemicals, but using truly natural products that contain herbs, essential oils and other natural ingredients will benefit your overall health as well.

There are also other benefits. Formaldehyde, for example, is very harmful to our natural environment. By eliminating products that contain this, and other toxic chemical, you are indeed not just benefiting your own health but that of the environment as well.

So make the switch. Change over to using natural skin and personal care products and you'll not just benefit your health but help the environment as well.

How To Clean Surgical Instruments Manually And Using An Ultrasonic Machine

To make sure that patients do not end up with any transmitted diseases or infections, it is imperative that doctors and hospital technicians adopt the proper procedures and rules for adequately sterilizing and cleaning all their surgical instruments. There are various different methods that technicians in hospitals can adopt to ensure that the surgical instruments are always well kept and impeccably clean. Out of all the methods available for cleaning surgery instruments, the method involving ultrasonic cleaning is the most preferable one because it is quite simple to follow and takes less effort and time. However, when it comes to cleaning very hinged and delicate instruments, hospital staff must take the time out to manually clean them. If you are interested in learning about ultrasonic cleaning of instruments, this article will teach you how to do it.

The first thing that you should keep in mind is that surgical instruments should be cleaned immediately after they have been used. If you let the debris and blood get dried on the instruments, it can cause oxidation which severely damages instruments and causes them to clamp and get rusty. Thus, as soon as the surgeon is done using an instrument you should immediately rinse it using warm water to make sure that all the tissue and debris is washed off. From there on then you should place the rinsed surgical instruments into a detergent, again prefer using a cleaning solution that is especially designed for instrument cleaning, and let your instruments remain dipped in this solution for around ten to twenty minutes.

Once you are done cleaning your instruments with a detergent you have to pat dry them with a clean towel and prep them for further cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Fill up the machine with its ultrasonic cleaning solution and then using thongs pick up the dried up surgical instruments and submerge them into the ultrasonic cleaning solution in the machine. When submerging your instruments take extra care to ensure that one instruments sharp edges does not rub against another instrument. The thong that you used for submerging should also be left slightly dipped inside for awhile so as to clean the ends of the instruments that were touched by the thongs.

Now you can turn on your ultrasonic cleaning machine and let your instruments be cleaned for around five to ten minutes. Once the machine is turned off, use the same thongs to lift out the surgical instruments and allow them to dry up naturally in air by placing them on to a properly cleaned and sterilized tray.

For manual cleaning of instruments it is best that you use a good scrub brush that will help you reach into small edges and rounds that are hard to get into using your fingers. In this process too, you have to submerge the surgical instruments into a detergent for the time mentioned above. In manual cleaning you also have to submerge your own hands into the detergent and you should scrub well underneath your own finger nails for maximum cleaning. The rest of the procedure is the same. For more further visit Surgical Instruments

The Skinny on Acne Treatment and Other Natural Beauty Products

Your natural beauty products may not be effective and prove expensive if used for a long time without any measurable or noticeable change to fairer skin. There are many synthetic and organic acne treatments in the market today and finding the best solutions is not easy.

Acne is a serious problem and its treatment is a billion dollar industry. Yet with all the advances in science and health, the cure always eludes the grasp of many sufferers. In fact, the seemingly incurable skin problem to some may cause more mental and emotional distress that can lead to suicides and rage. Further, there are chemical treatments that have been reported to drive users to depression.

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology reports that teenage girls and boys with severe acne problem are twice and thrice more likely to think about suicide than their peers with clear skin.

The Karolinska Institute in Sweden also mentions in a published research that there may be an additional risk after treatment with isotretinoin, a commonly prescribed drug for severe acne since the 1980's. This risk may be due to the acne itself, rather than the treatment, since the skin infection is associated with depression and other psychiatric morbidity. Experts believe that the risk could be with patients whose physical appearance improved but without an analogous change in their social life.

In the meantime, the search goes on for the wonder drug that can be used generally on any skin types. Skin experts are also dispelling skin care myths one by one so as not to worsen the quest and provide people with better options.

For instance, the oil cleansing method that has become popular recently promotes the use of natural oils as an alternative to soap and water. These products, however, could aggravate pre-existing skin problems including acne, according to experts. Oil is not dangerous to use on the face, but it could be if there are skin breakouts. Oil can potentially clog pores and not clean them.

Homemade natural skin treatments that promote the use castor and olive oil could only worsen the condition. The public is cautioned to be wary of similar commercial products and stick to those from trusted suppliers of cosmetic products that comply with industry standards. There are many organic acne treatments that work though. The key to finding a good skin care line is knowing their formulation and their particular effect on the skin type.

Acne sufferers are better off using hypoallergenic cleansers with less or no alcohol content. They should also avoid using cosmetic products that are heavily perfumed. Mild organic extracts or other related products can be used as an alternative.

Another theory that experts say do not really work as a cure is water therapy. Drinking lots of water doesn't make any dramatic effect on skin problem unless the person is totally dehydrated.

The best cure for acne could be just regular and thorough washing and the use of mild and hypoallergenic natural beauty products with no harsh chemicals. Having a positive attitude also helps in having a clear and fair complexion.

Dermatology - Providing Treatments and Skin Care Options for Great Looking Skin, Nails and Hair

The main purpose of the skin is to serve as a protective shield for your insides against infection, disease and environmental elements such as the rain, wind and the sun. Your skin is also a significant part of your appearance as it is the largest and most visible body organ. If you are having a problem with your skin such as a rash that will not go away with over-the-counter treatments or you notice a questionable growth, you can make an appointment with a dermatologist to get it checked out.

A dermatologist specializes in treating diseases of the nails, hair, skin and the mucus membranes. These medical doctors work within the field of dermatology advising their patients on the skin reactions to makeup products, fragrance and other factors that may affect the skin. A dermatologist is also essential for treating more serious diseases such as skin cancer. The following are some examples of skin diseases that a dermatologist may treat:

- Skin allergies
- Hair loss
- Skin pigmentation problems
- Warts
- Rashes
- Burns
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Nail problems
- Skin cancer
- And much more

The field of dermatology covers four areas: prevention, diagnosis, cosmetic procedures and surgery. If you are having issues with your skin, nails and hair, a dermatologist offers their patients options in treatments such as topical creams and medicines. They also do surgery on the skin to improve the way the skin looks or provide early control of disease. You can also receive cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, liposuction and the removal of veins and birth marks to help improve how the skin looks due to unwanted fat cells or skin damage by disease, sunlight or aging.

You can visit a dermatologist if you are suffering from skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. This condition is also known as eczema, which is a sort of bubbly looking red rash that usually affects those with dry skin. This condition affects individuals from infants to adults and can be treated through a change of diet, medicines, topical creams, avoiding triggers and bathing. You can ask your dermatology provider to provide an examination for you or your child to determine the best approach to treatment.

If you need the service of a dermatology provider to address a skin, nail, scalp or hair condition you are suffering with, call and schedule and appointment for an examination. You can get the treatment you need to end the years of embarrassment and discomfort of your skin condition.

Plastic Surgery Treatments For Lip Wrinkles

I read a recent article that reports that drinking directly from water bottles can cause just as many upper lip wrinkles as smoking. I wouldn't doubt it as any activity that makes your lips pucker, which activates the orbicularis oris muscle which encircles the mouth, can cause wrinkles to appear on the upper lip. The development of such wrinkles is a function of both the activity and how often it is done. Drinking water these days for some people is about as frequent as a regular smoker who does one or two packs per day.

As a general principle, wrinkles form on the face perpendicular to the direction of action of the underlying muscle movement. For example, horizontal forehead wrinkles are the result of their vertically-oriented and moving frontalis muscle which extends from the brows upward into the scalp. Since the mouth's main muscle (like the eyes) is a sphincter or encircling muscle which lies parallel (horizontal) to the upper and lower lip (except at the corners), it is no surprise that the lips (particularly the upper) develops vertical wrinkles in some people. The other factor that highly contributes to lip wrinkles is the thickness of your skin and the size of your lips. (which is interrelated) The thicker your skin, the less likely you will ever develop them. You rarely see lip wrinkles in people with thicker skin such as African-Americans and people of Middle Eastern descents for example. (and they have larger lips to begin with....as their skin is thicker)

Treatment of lip wrinkles is a challenging problem. I tell patients to think of it as improvement as there is no complete cure in most cases. For small and fine lines that are mainly located at the junction of the skin and the lip, an injectable filler can make a nice improvement...provided you find it acceptable to have a larger lip size. (whichever you desire) When the lip wrinkles are deeper and run higher into the upper lip, the concept of skin resurfacing comes into play. This typically means lase resurfacing and the question is how deep to go with how long of a recovery that will be acceptable to the patient. When the lip lines and wrinkles are more severe, I usually use a combination of making the lip bigger with injectable fillers and resurfacing the skin with a laser. This is usually done under local anesthesia in the office unless the patient is having other major facial surgery, such as a facelift, where the procedure would be then performed in the operating room. There is some current debate between the laser techniques of resurfacing or peeling and the use of fractional (fraxel) laser treatments, but there is no hard clinical evidence at this point to say conclusively that fractional laser treatments are better. In the more severe cases, a small amount of Botox to help reduce the amount of muscle movement can also be helpful when done with fillers or laser resurfacing but you must be careful to not use to much lest you make your smile have an unnatural appearance.

Alternative treatments for lip wrinkles through skin modification are currently being evaluated. One method is to combine laser resurfacing with the use of sandpaper (yes I said sandpaper), known as laserbrasion. With laserbrasion, a combination of upper skin removal is done first with the laser and the deeper skin areas are taken down with sandpaper. The concept here is that the use of sandpaper causes less trauma (no heat) and will heal faster without the prolonged redness. And it is just as effective as the laser but safer and with less complications than if one used traditional dermabrasion. The other method is known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy. (PCIT) Like aerating your lawn, making very tiny holes throughout the upper lip with a small wheel lined with microscopic needles cuts into the deepest portions of the skin. As this heals it causes the skin to thicken which helps reduce the amount of visible wrinkling.

Upper lip wrinkles in some women are unavoidable and can be very troubling. Injectable lip fillers, laser resurfacing, and Botox can help but there is no permanent cure. The alternative treatments of fractional laser treatments, laserbrasion, and collagen induction therapy are interesting but it is too early to know if they will offer better results.

Combined Medically Necessary and Cosmetic Surgery - Who Pays For What?

When a medically necessary procedure (plastic surgery or otherwise) is performed at the same time as a cosmetic procedure, there is frequent confusion or misunderstandings on the part of many patients. A good example would be a hysterectomy with a tummy tuck. Many patients assume that a 'portion' of the cosmetic procedure will be covered since they are asleep anyway and their health insurance is already paying for the operating room expenses and the anesthesiologist's time. But this perception is wrong....and actually fraudulent in nature.

Your health insurance should and is paying for the time that it takes to pay for the medically part of the operation. Once that portion of the operation is completed, the start and stop times of the procedure are recorded, and the health insurance contributions to the combined procedure are met. Any additional time for the cosmetic portion of the joint procedures is your responsibility. No one will just forget it is going on...particularly the operating room personnel who are scrupulous about recording what operations are done by whom and when. Asking or assuming that the hospital/surgery center will just bill for the total operating time (including the cosmetic portion of the procedure) to the insurance company will not happen. What you are assuming or asking is known as...fraud. Knowingly billing an insurance company for operations that are not covered under the policy is fraudulent behavior. Which no reputable hospital or surgery center will do and risk significant legal and monetary damages. Any surgeon that would tell you otherwise is either naive or disreputable....either way you place yourself at significant financial exposure. In the end, the hospital or surgery center will bill you...at rates that will be significantly higher than any pre-established cosmetic surgery rates. (often by a factor of 5 to 10 fold)

For these reasons, all of the non-insurance expenses of a combined cosmetic-insurance procedure including the surgeons, operating room, and anesthesiologist time are determined and collected in advance. This is not only the ethical and correct legal thing to do but also puts a known cap on what your cosmetic expenses will be. You never want to expose your personal finances to the non-cosmetic costs (insurance rates) of surgery.

Cosmetic Dentist - Making Chipped, Stained or Misaligned Teeth Appear Straight and White

If your dental problem consists of stained, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth, reputable cosmetic dentists can provide a solution to help perfect your smile. With a cosmetic dental procedure known as Lumineers, you can have your teeth transformed into a smile that looks natural, straight, and white. Lumineers are ultra-thin and customized to give you a beautiful smile. It only takes you between 2-3 visits to get the custom-made smile that has proven to last for more than 20 years. This dental procedure is also completely reversible because your natural tooth structure is left intact.

If you have been researching cosmetic dentists to find out more about the procedure known as Lumineers, you should visit a dental practice where the dentist has extensive experience performing this procedure. You want a dentist that has the experience of applying this contact lens thin material over your exiting teeth. One of the great things you will learn through your consultation with the dentist is that this dental procedure is a permanent and painless cosmetic solution for many dental issues and can even be placed over existing bridgework or crowns without having to replace them.

Lumineers can address the problem of crowded and crooked teeth without the need of orthodontics. This dental procedure eliminates the need for braces when this thin porcelain is paced over the tooth and permanently corrects and covers misaligned teeth. This dental procedure can also correct fanged teeth, which are teeth that are pointy and tend to distract away from your appearance. The Lumineers are just placed over your tooth without the need of removing any sensitive tooth structure, and you never have to worry about your teeth grinding down like they may with traditional veneers.

The main difference between traditional veneers and Lumineers is that Lumineers are created from strong-patented cerinate porcelain as opposed to the much thinner veneer that is made in a laboratory. The thickness of Lumineers can be compared to contact lens, which requires very little tooth preparation.

If you are interested in a cosmetic dental procedure that can correct your crooked, misaligned, or discolored teeth, contact one of many reputable cosmetic dentists for a dental procedure that is right for you. You can get the smile you have always wanted, and with many of the advances in dental tooth technology, your procedure can be virtually painless. You can also visit the dentist website to learn more about the procedures they provide.

Show Off Legs This Season and Treat Varicose Veins

Shorts are sometimes overlooked by adults, but there's one trend that's taking over and many are loving it. Dressy shorts were seen everywhere on the runways for spring and summer 2012. The designs are trickling into retailers and that means showing off legs that are flawless. Squats, lunges and running may get the gams looking fabulous in terms of shape, but those unsightly varicose veins are much harder to take care of. Dark veins make it difficult to wear this season's hottest trend. Surgery is invasive and can cost thousands depending on how severe the veins are. Take a look at innovative topical creams that drastically reduces the appearance of varicose veins. Dark spider and varicose veins are best treated with an array of natural ingredients such as butcher's broom and bisabolol. Legs appear more even in tone and free to show off the latest trend of dressy shorts.
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What else is seen in Hollywood along with dressy shorts? Glowing legs. Smoothing the appearance of varicose veins is the first step. Beyond that, apply an exfoliator on the shower to remove dead skin cells. Pay extra attention to areas like the knees, heels and tops of the feet, where skin tends to be drier. You don't want to end up with a patchy tan! Take a self-tanner or gradual self-tanner and apply in even layers. For the novice a gel-like self-tanner with a tint makes it easiest to navigate where the color is applied. For the best results, it's usually white self-tanners with a cream consistency that produce the most even and true tan results. Let the product dry before putting on clothes or hopping into bed. After the color develops in a couple of hours, go in for another layer if you want a deeper color to show off legs while wearing dressy shorts this season.
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Dressy shorts can be worn day or night, and with flawless legs they're a fashion do, no matter where you live. Embrace the polished, fashion forward trend of dressy shorts, even when suffering from varicose and spider veins. Don't let the veins dictate the closet. There are products that deliver fast results, even for those with dark veining along the legs. When using a vein diminishing cream regularly, the vein appearance will reduce drastically and legs will be fit for donning those dressy shorts in lightweight fabrics. Hot days this summer mean showing off legs and what better way to do it than with the latest fashion trend seen on models and actresses. Try Vericoz Vein Formula for diminishing the appearance of ugly varicose and spider veins in time for shorts season.

A Look at Some of the Factors a Cosmetic Dentist Looks at, in Deciding What to Charge You

One of the most frequently asked questions by people considering to seek the help of cosmetic-dentists is as to what the services are likely to cost. It is not really hard to see where the question comes from, seeing the commonly held notion: that cosmetic dentistry services are, by definition, expensive. It therefore comes as no surprise when the greatest concern for many people is not as to whether their cosmetic dentistry attempts will be successful, but rather as to whether they would be able to afford them. This notion seems to be heavily borrowed for the general and commonly held idea that all cosmetic treatments are expensive - which they often are.

There is an important fact for us to point out, before taking the look at some of the factors that a cosmetic-dentist will probably look at, in deciding what to charge you. That important fact is the one to the effect that cosmetic-dentistry services - unlike other types of cosmetic treatments - don't necessarily cost a lot of money. There are actually some types of cosmetic dentistry treatments that you can get for less than $100 - whatever part of the world you are in. It is therefore important to note that cosmetic-dentistry treatments, unlike the likes of cosmetic dermatology treatments, don't always cost too much money.

Now that the exact charges for cosmetic-dentistry are likely to vary from place to place, we won't go as far as trying to mention what the typical charges for specific procedures are likely to be. The best we can do is examine some of the factors that a cosmetic dentist, in whatever part of the world you happen to be, is likely to look at, in determining what to charge you for cosmetic dentistry services.

Cosmetic-dentistry is usually about the correction of specific issues, and the severity of issue to be corrected is one of the factors that go a long way in determining what you end up being charged by the cosmetic-dentist. It could be a case where you are looking for teeth whitening, or a case where you are looking for the straightening of teeth. But the exact extent to which the teeth are discolored, or the extent to which the teeth are 'crooked' is one of the factors that would determine what you would have to spend on cosmetic-dentistry in the correction.

The cosmetic-dentistry procedures that you opt to use (but which are to a large extent dictated by the nature and severity of cosmetic problems) are yet another important factor a cosmetic dentist looks at, in deciding what to charge you. In teeth whitening, for instance, the cosmetic dentist could decide to use a bleaching approach (where the nature and extent of the problem is not too severe), and in so doing, he would end up charging you less money than if the nature and extent of the problem indicated for the use of a sophisticated approach such as veneering or bonding.

Of the course, the part of the world you happen to find yourself at would also have an impact in what you pay for cosmetic dentistry services (with the huge differences for such services between different parts of the world being what has given rise to the trend now known as medical tourism). Whether you happen to be in a scheme where cosmetic dentistry services are subsidized, and this is rare, then you would pay more than someone in a situation where they have to foot the whole bill. If you have previously seen the cosmetic dentist in search of another service, she may decide to charge you less; on account of your being a 'returning client.'

Your Cosmetic Surgery Price Guide

Looking good will make you feel better, and in the United States, beauty is a high priced premium. This is why cosmetic surgery has become a huge business, raking in millions of dollars annually.

Unlike two centuries ago, plastic surgery was virtually frowned upon. Not only were the procedures relatively new, they were unproven to be safe. Thus, most of those who underwent cosmetic surgery were to restore damaged facial and body parts as a result of an accident or birth defect.

This is not the case today. This surgery has gone through the roof with hundreds of men and women seeking to improve their appearance with surgery. With this desire naturally comes a steep price. Beauty, in this case, is not cheap.

The prices for cosmetic surgery can range from the hundreds to the thousands, depending on what procedure is done. For instance, for breast augmentation and breast lifts, expect to spend a minimum of $2,000 up to a maximum of $8000. For a reversal of the breast implants, you will be charged an average rate between $1,000 to $4,000.

In the case of rhinoplasty, which is a nose job, the price ranges between $2,000 to $10,000. A face lift commands a hefty price between $7,000 to $9000, while a tummy tuck will leave you $2,000 to $8,000 poorer.

The price to pay for looking better is very steep, and can be considered a luxury for many. However, this does not appear to be a serious deterrent since many people seem to find a way to raise the funds needed.

There are precautions that should be considered prior to undergoing cosmetic surgery. The first would be the cosmetic surgeon you choose to perform the procedure. He (or she) must be experienced, certified with a reputable history of successful procedures and preferably someone who is referred to you by a trusted friend or family member.

Cosmetic surgery prices in developed countries like Canada and the US are tagged in the thousands of dollars. For a procedure this expensive, it would be natural to expect minimal problems during and after the cosmetic surgery. However, this could not be further from the truth.

Cosmetic surgery has its share of side effects that could botch an operation. This risk increases dramatically if you decide to hire the services of a doctor with not enough experience or credentials. This is why reputation and feedback is always a significant factor when choosing your doctor. It will also explain why the doctor's fees for a highly respected professional is much higher than a doctor without the same credentials.

On the other hand, you get what you pay for. Thus, even if Canada is well known for it highly technical cosmetic surgery procedures, reasonable cosmetic surgery prices, and its high rate of success, there is a chance you could be at greater risk if you select the wrong doctor.

Of course, knowing what the possible side effects are and its causes could also help you, and your doctor, avoid complications.

For instance, if you have a heart condition, or you are allergic to certain kinds of drugs, then by informing your doctor, you can be given a different drug. In the same manner, if your doctor knows your heart is weak, he can take extra precautions during and after the cosmetic surgery. If you have a tendency to experience blood clots, a blood thinner could be prescribed.

Other side effects could be dizziness, pain, nausea, excessive bleeding, skin infections, or even pneumonia. Each of these potential side effects have their respective counter-treatments that your doctor, if he is experienced enough, can prescribe. This means, choosing the right doctor is something vital to the success of your surgery, and the prices should not be a deterrent to getting the best doctor possible.

Plastic Surgery Marketing Tips

Know about marketing:

Marketing is an integrated relation-based process by means of which communities and individuals interact with each other. You should research on existing and newly identified needs of the people.Marketing is generally used to create a customer to keep up good will with the customer and to satisfy the customer.

Business plan for plastic or cosmetic surgery business:

A plastic or cosmetic surgery business plan is the one that works for doctors or surgeons to look forward, allocate resources, focus on important key points, and prepare for opportunities and problems. A plan for your cosmetic business should answer the following questions.

1.      Vision: what do you desire about the business?

2.      Strategy: what are you planning to do to achieve your vision?

3.      Tactics: how will you realize your strategy?

Design the plastic and cosmetic surgery website:

There are numerous company website that offer different packages, but you should build a website and offer reasonably priced packages in order to attract customers. You can build a custom website that matches the plastic or cosmetic surgery business model.

You can follow the following steps to become a top marketer:

-          Effectively design the website for plastic surgery

-          Search engine optimization

-          Maintain plastic surgery photo galleries i.e. before and after surgery

-          Modify the contents frequently

-          Use analytical web tracking

Online marketing for plastic and cosmetic surgery:

The number of doctors performing cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are increasing. Patients are also more aware about that fact and are also looking around to get the right price. You can help them in finding a cost effective surgeon.

Email marketing for plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery:

You can maintain short and effective email Ids of the existing plastic surgery or cosmetic patients. Convert your website visitors into your subscribers and then convert your subscribers into your regular customers.

Other most important tips for the plastic surgery marketing:

You can utilize link exchange programs to promote your web traffic. This exchange programs can provide further marketing exposure, and you can obtain this program either for free of cost or for a small nominal fee. With the help of this program you can exchange your links with other website which possess high web traffic. So now your website will get more visitors which are one of the most critical components for any internet based business.

You can earn loads of money by following all the above mentioned tips correctly. 

Singapore As a Choice For Cosmetic Surgery

Dr Waffles Woo is a trademark name for anyone who knows anything about cosmetic surgery in Singapore and he has treated some very famous people from the region. His office in Camden is the banner, the standard that represents how advanced the cosmetic surgery industry is in Singapore, and how far is has gone from its contentious birth many years ago. Because of practitioners like him and many others, Singapore has become more than a choice for cosmetic surgery, it has become the solution for those who are seeking personal transformation or even medical cosmetic surgeries in the greater Asian Region.

There are more than 20 established surgery and clinics in Singapore and more and more are getting certification. Ranging from Leslie Kuek, Martin Huang and many others, there is surprisingly wide range of cosmetic surgeons you can choose from. Gone are the days of the fearful planning to that trip to Thailand to get rid of that extra belly fat or that expensive trip to the U.S.A for a very costly procedure. Now you can just do it in Singapore and the best thing is that it is completely safe.

A lot of these procedures are non invasive and use lasering techniques. But there are a whole host of procedures you can choose from to fix whatever you deem imperfect on your body. For example, the specialist surgery and laser centre in the Pacific Healthcare Holdings, Singapore focuses on paediatric plastic surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery, craniomaxillofacial surgery, and endoscopic plastic surgery. The list for many other establishments are just as impressive and most of the doctors are trained overseas - in countries that have been doing plastic surgery for years. While everyone will agree that Singapore is still young when it comes to plastic surgery, doctors who go overseas are able to lift up the standard by the knowledge they gain from established medical institutions and hospitals that give specialised hands on training.

Looking at the maturity of the situation is simply looking at the governing bodies that have sprung up. They include the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Singapore, the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons and the Singapore Society of Cosmetic Surgeons, and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. These organisations mean just one thing, that there is a constant look at the integrity and the quality of the cosmetic surgery industry in Singapore. With assessment tools, educational forums and constant updating of methods and new initiatives and developments in the industry - people looking to Singapore for a cosmetic surgery solution will be assured that quality control is present and you will be getting the best possible - and your safety is assured.

Plastic surgery is a medical and cosmetic specialty interested in the correction of form and function. While famous for aesthetic surgery, plastic surgery also includes a variety of fields: craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, burn surgery, microsurgery, and pediatric surgery. You should never leave these procedures in the hands of the unprofessional, and that is one thing you won't find in Singapore - with its world class cosmetic surgery industry well in place.

Plastic Surgery of the Lips - Making One's Lips Smaller

In today's society, large and full lips are highly desirous. This is most evident in the large plethora of lipstick and lip care products as well as being one of the top places on the face for the use of injectable fillers. Despite the trend to go bigger, there are a few patients who actually want their lips to be smaller. Most commonly, these are non-caucasian patients who naturally have very full lips or someone who has a rare congential facial problem which results in large lips, medically known as macrocheilia.

Lip reduction surgery is a fairly simple procedure that can be done under local anesthesia or some form of sedation. It involves a transverse elliptical excision of lip tissue that runs from one corner of the mouth to the other. The key is the location of the excised tissue and the resultant scar. The exposed portion of your lip, the pink portion, is called the vermilion. The vermilion has both a dry and wet surface. The wet portion of the vermilion is the non-exposed part that sits just below the highest point of the dry vermilion (lip line) on the inside of the mouth. Removing excess vermilion here and allowing the lip to roll back and look smaller places the fine line scar in a non-visible location.

Reducing the size of the lips through this inside the mouth approach produces a modest size reduction, never a dramatic one. If one removes too much from the inside, the lips can have an unnatural rolled back appearance. In reality, the best place to reduce the visible size of the lips is by removing vermilion at the front edge where it meets skin. But this would create a visible scar which is why it is not done even though it is more effective at creating lip reduction.

Any form of lip surgery will create considerable swelling in the first few days after surgery. This is normal as the lip swells easily. (just think of when you just bumped it and see how quickly it swells!) As a general rule, the lip swelling subsides at a week out and the lip will look the same then as before surgery. You won't be able to see visible lip size reduction until several weeks after surgery. So one has to be patient to see the results. Dissolveable stitches are used to close the incision on the lip as this is not a very nice place to have stitches that need to be removed later.

Lip reduction can be done on either the upper or lower lip, or both at the same time. That is a patient's preference based on their aesthetic concerns.

The Madonna Lift Fractional Eyelift Procedure

Patients have been seeking an effective alternative to traditional eyelift surgery for many years. Working with fractional CO2 technology previously used for laser resurfacing treatments, a new fractional eyelift procedure, "The Madonna Lift" has been developed as a safe and effective alternative to traditional eyelid surgery. Since receiving FDA clearance in 2004, fractional laser resurfacing has benefited millions of patients. The Madonna Lift promises to increase that number.

Fractional CO2 works by using laser beam-like columns, targeting a very specific area while leaving surrounding tissue intact. These beams eradicate damaged fibers in the skin and encourage new tissue with fresh elasticity to grow back in its place. Because the whole of the skin is not affected, healing is quick and far less painful than other procedures.

The Madonna fractional eyelift dramatically reduces the appearance of dark circles and eye wrinkles, tightens upper and lower eyelid skin, and helps to elevate drooping eyebrows. It has a number of the benefits of a surgical eyelift without the risks and downtime. The only problem it is unable to address is bulging fat pads.

Metal eye shields are used during treatment to protect a patient's eyes from injury. The only anesthesia needed for the procedure is a numbing cream that is applied to the eyelids; as a result, downtime is minimal.

A recent study of fractional eyelifts involving more than 100 participants showed dramatic and consistent results. In order to achieve the best results from the Madonna Lift, between three and five sessions, delivered at two to three week intervals are recommended.

Cosmetic Surgeon - Use SEO to Market Yourself

If you are promoting your business, and are looking for the easiest and most effective way to promote your services online, SEO can be the answer for you. If you have a practice and are a cosmetic surgeon, there are many ways that you can employ the use of SEO techniques in your website and in the content of your web site to generate leads, garner traffic and acquire higher search engine rankings.

The key to promoting your web site and your cosmetic surgeon business is to get your name out there on the internet, which will allow you to potentially reach millions of clients that you could not any other way. As a result, higher rankings with the major search engines are guaranteed to follow. You may have often wondered if SEO keywords can actually work, or if they are really the most effective way for you to market your web site. A lot of website owners who have been using SEO as a way to market their business and services, have in fact found it to be the easiest way to drive more traffic to their site.

How do you use SEO to promote yourself as a cosmetic surgeon? By having RSS feeds, articles and other interesting content on your website. You can then easily employ SEO techniques in the content to generate leads and gain better search engine rankings. When people search online for a cosmetic surgeon, they are probably going to be using certain keywords. These keywords are what are used by the search engines, and if you have those keywords in your articles and other content on your website, you are going to be able to be seen and picked up by the search engine.

The more SEO keywords that are related to the services you provide that you have on your website, the better the chance you have of earning higher search engine rankings. That is important for your cosmetic surgeon business, because people usually only look through the first few pages of results when they do a search. If your website does not appear as a listing on the first few pages, people are likely not going to choose your link to go to. The way that you can increase your rankings is to choose strong SEO keywords that are related to the services that you are providing. You can use words that people are most likely going to do a search for when looking for a cosmetic surgeon.

In today's business world, it is imperative to learn tools on how to use SEO effectively for your website. If you do, you will quickly see how easy and effective it can be to generate more traffic to your site, and get more visitors to look at the services that you provide through your practice or business.

Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866) English Physician

HODGKIN'S DISEASE

Hodgkin's Disease or Lymphoma is a malignant growth of cells in the lymph system that occurs in children and adults. It is diagnosed by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, a cell specific to the disease. These cells are of B-cell lymphocyte origin, and overproduction of Interleukin-13 is related. The Epstein-Barr virus also appears to be a factor in 50% of cases. The disease was first described by Malpighi in 1666 although Hodgkins documented the first cases in in 1832. Samuel Wilks described the disease in a paper in 1865 and attributed Hodgkin with its discovery.

Thomas Hodgkin was born in Tottenham in 1798, the same year that John Cheyne (Cheyne-Stokes Breathing) was busy fighting the United Irishmen in the battle of Vinegar Hill. Like Cheyne, he graduated from Edinburgh University, obtaining his medical degree in 1823. He then moved back to London, becoming curator of the Pathology Museum at Guy's Hospital in 1825. He is recognised with introducing the first stethoscope to Guy's and probably England, having worked with Laennec as a medical student in Paris some years earlier.

The 1820's was really a fascinating time to be present at Guy's because many famous physicians such as T. Addison (Addison's Disease), R. Bright (Bright's Disease) and B.G. Babington (Babington's Disease) were working there at the time. Hodgkin was a dedicated Quaker who led a life dedicated to the betterment of those around him.

His religious fervour ran deep and his liberal attitudes were apparent in everything he did. He was the founder member of the Aborigine Society in the period that American Congress passed the Indian Removal Act and forced the Estern tribes west of the Mississippi River.

He applied for the post of Assistant Physician in Guy's in 1834 but resigned after it was given to Babington (Babington's Disease). It is widely rumoured that the treasurer of the hospital allegedly said, "I'll be damned if we give the job to a fellow who has been seen in the company of a North American Indian".

Hodgkin's resignation caused furore, particularly amongst his former students as he was deeply committed to medical education and had developed the medical school at Guy's to great prominence. He was also known as the first person to describe aortic insufficiency. There were more subtle reasons why Babington was favoured to the position and I will deal with them in another issue. Hodgkins became a notable humanitarian after his resignation and apparently he often offended people by not charging for his medical services.

He remained in medical practice at St. Thomas's for a while but increasingly went travelling around the world with his old friend Sir Moses Montefiore, the towering giant of 19th century world Jewry. Sir Moses, an interesting figure started out as an apprentice to a firm of wholesale grocers and eventually became one of the wealthiest brokers in London. His marriage to a Rothschild of course didn't hurt.

By 1824, he was wealthy enough to retire from business and he spent the rest of his life involved in philanthropic projects. He fell in love with the Land of Israel, which he visited seven times. In 1866 he convinced Thomas Hodgkins to accompany him on a tour of the country. While they were in Jaffa, Hodgkins developed profuse cramps and diarrhea and contracted what appears to be shigellosis, or bacillary dysentery.

It was the period before intravenous rehydration and unfortunately he became dehyrated and died there. His grave can still be seen if you visit Jaffa. In that same year the American Congress formed two black regiments the 9th and 10th cavalries with specific orders to go West and fight his beloved Indians. The Indians nicknamed them the Buffalo Soldiers.

Who am I?

English Physician born in Bristol in 1789 and studied medicine in Edinburgh. He was Assistant Physician in Guy's from 1820 to 1824. He travelled extensively and wrote many travel books. He gave his name to a disease associated with chronic nephritis.

R. Bright

How Should You Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?

Whether you move to a new city or a different state that usually means a lot of important aspects about life must also change. Your healthcare and dental care are no different. Once you move locations, you must search for and choose the best cosmetic dentist to meet you and your family's health and dental needs. There's no doubt about it-you want the best for you and your family, especially when it comes to health. But how should you choose a cosmetic dentist? How will you know which factors to compare during your search?

Well, there are actually some common factors that most people consider when making a critical decision for their cosmetic dentistry services.

• First, you should understand that choosing a cosmetic dentist requires careful consideration on your part since you want the best dental care possible. This also translates into selecting a cosmetic dentist who has ample experience and the right credentials.


• The prime aspect to consider is how much and what type of experience he or she has. A cosmetic dentist must not only be well versed in cosmetic dentistry services, but they must also have honed their skills throughout extensive periods of experience. With many years of experience, he or she will be able to utilize their extensive skills to craft your beautiful, new smile, while using innovative dental techniques.

After you review that critical information, you can then delve into learning more about the basic factors of the dentist, along with details about his or her dental office.

• Such factors to consider are location, office hours, and dental services offered. There are a couple of ways to find out this information, such as a consultation appointment, calling the office, or browsing through their website(s). It is actually highly recommended to schedule a consultation appointment before you make the final decision that he or she will be performing your cosmetic dental procedures.

During your consultation, you can learn about the dental practice, his or her education, credentials, services offered, and you can even get a feel for the cosmetic dentist's personality, too! It is very important that you feel comfortable and at ease when speaking with the dentist and team members. It is critical for the cosmetic dentist to have people skills, as well as cosmetic dentistry skills.

• Also during your consultation, you should observe the office environment as much as possible. Be sure that it is operating professionally and appears in clean, hygienic standards.


• While talking to the dentist, find out which types of dental equipment they use, especially equipment to be used during the procedures you are interested in. This may actually require you to do your research beforehand so you know how to decipher the answer he or she gives! Keep in mind that most people prefer cosmetic dentists who utilize up-to-date, cutting-edge technology (since some cosmetic dental procedures require it).

If you are concerned about the financial costs, as most of us are nowadays, you should not take the easy way out by choosing a dentist whose services are inexpensive (compared to other dentists). While it's good to save money, you should absolutely consider the quality of dental materials they are using for their inexpensive services. We all know that you don't want to keep visiting the dental office every other week because the materials they used were not durable! Just remember that you pay for what you get-- paying more money initially is a good decision (and a good investment) for you and your family's future.

By considering all of these factors, you should be able to make an intelligent choice as to which cosmetic dentist is the best! This, in turn, will promote a pleasurable and happy experience at the dentist's office.

What is the Meaning of Moles on the Face?

Colored spots on the face can be moles or may be something more sinister. Determining exactly what a spot is absolutely requires examination by a qualified physician and possibly even biopsy of the lesion. This article is meant to describe different lesions which can appear on the face, not to provide diagnosis of any lesion.

What is the meaning of moles on the face?

Some spots on the face have been present since birth and pose no threat. These spots are termed congenital nevi and have no potential to become cancerous. They may grow over the course of a lifetime but they are not deadly. Unfortunately, some spots on the face represent skin cancer, the most deadly of which is melanoma. To consider if a mole is worrisome for melanoma, some basic guidelines have been established to help determine if further diagnosis or treatment is necessary. These have obtained the pneumonic ABCDE.

• Assymetry - moles which are not the same on both sides, in other words are not a mirror image of one side to the other, are worrisome.


• Borders - if the mole has irregular borders, this can be a worrisome sign


• Color - if the mole has many colors in it. A mole which is black is not necessarily bad. If the mole though has black, brown, white, and different shades of these colors in it, that can be worrisome.


• Diameter - worrisome are moles which are greater than 6mm in diameter.


• Elevation/Evolution - a mole which is growing in size or has different elevations above the level of the skin should be evaluated.

While these rules can be applied to melanoma, other types of skin cancers can often be seen as moles. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. The biggest risk factor for any of these is ultraviolet radiation exposure - either from sun or tanning beds. There are many other risks factors which are beyond the scope of this article. If a mole is changing in size, color, or shape; an unusual growth appears on the skin; you notice a color change on your skin; or you have a sore which won't heal, evaluation by a trained physician with possible biopsy is definitely warranted.

I want to know how to get rid of moles?

The removal of moles depends on exactly what they are. Fortunately, not all moles are cancerous. For moles which are not cancerous, conservative measures can be used to remove unsightly moles for cosmetic reasons. Shaving the skin, clipping the moles, freezing the moles, and some topical medications can be used to remove moles. If the diagnosis of a mole is in question, any biopsy should be sent for pathologic examination. For lesions which proved to be cancerous, more aggressive treatment is necessary. In some cases, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be necessary in addition to surgery to provide the best chance of cure.

If you have a question about the meaning of moles on the face or anywhere on the body, you should consult an experienced physician. It may be necessary to visit a dermatology and even undergo a biopsy of the mole to determine exactly what it is. The key to survival is early diagnosis.

The New Jersey Cosmetic Procedure Tax Experience - What Have We Learned From It?

Perhaps you have experienced firsthand the interesting tax the State of New Jersey has placed on cosmetic procedures. New Jersey Plastic Surgeons and their patients know all too well that this 6% tax applies to things like Botox簧 treatments, liposuction procedures, and face lifts. Were you aware that this tax also applies to things like cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and hair removal, and affects doctor's offices, spas, salons and electrologists?

In September 2004, New Jersey gained the dubious distinction of becoming the first state in the union to enact legislation that placed a 6% tax on all elective cosmetic procedures - the "Cosmetic Procedure Tax". Assemblyman Joseph Cryan introduced the bill, believing that it would to be a straightforward and simple way to bring some much-needed revenues to the state. Unfortunately, the research and analysis in preparation for implementing the tax proved to be quite a bit off the mark. The actual amount of revenue this tax would represent to the state turned out to be far less than all the original estimates suggested. Moreover, the logistics and administrative issues involved in the implementation of this tax proved to be extremely costly. What was the end result? For every $1.00 of this tax collected, it is estimated that the state had actually lost $3.39 in total revenue!

Recognizing these unintended and untoward economic consequences, Assemblyman Cryan himself began working just two years later (in 2006) to legislate the repeal of the tax. Since then, repeated efforts to have this tax repealed have failed. Why? There are a variety of possible "answers". One might be that state officials truly believed at one point or another that they had the means by which the administrative costs could be curtailed. But this has not effectively materialized. Another possibility is that state officials expected that there would ultimately be a substantial increase in the tax revenues that would be coming in. However, the initial amounts collected (already much lower than the analysts said - $7 million vs. the $24 million predicted) were then followed by persisting low amounts over the next 5 years. This was not a big surprise as the low 2004 collections came during an economically strong year followed by a weaker, dwindling and recession-like economy which is only just recently beginning to turn around. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that the New Jersey "Cosmetic Procedure Tax" has actually been costing New Jersey millions of dollars each year rather than increasing state revenue - and it is still in force today!

Aside from the clear economic disadvantages, a growing number of medical associations (e.g. the AMA and the American College of Surgeons) have vehemently opposed these types of taxes in New Jersey and in the United States as a whole. The taxing of cosmetic procedures infers that such procedures are merely an "extravagance" or a "luxury" - undermining and demeaning the value of cosmetic procedures and the variety of ways these procedures can improve psychological health on a daily basis. The proper application of the tax itself would often seem to be a matter of interpretation and difficult to determine. So many cosmetic procedures are reconstructive in nature and many reconstructive procedures have a more cosmetic outcome as a major part of the goal. How are these complex situations to be analyzed as properly "taxable", "not taxable" or more importantly "should not be taxed"? Should a procedure to help a child born with a facial deformity corrected by surgery to look more normal be "taxed"? Should a woman with debilitating back pain alleviated by a breast reduction be "taxed"? Should a patient consider having a procedure on the basis of comfort and confidence with their doctor of choice, or on the basis of where the state line is?

This issue became much bigger and garnered more public attention when the Federal government itself began to consider such a tax. In 2010, after much debate, the Senate rejected a proposal to enact a federal version of a cosmetic procedure tax. The "New Jersey experience" clearly played a role in that decision-making process. Along the way, many other states have also considered and, in the final analysis, also rejected such proposals concluding that the disadvantages would outweigh and dominate over any potential benefits (e.g. Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and New York). Perhaps New Jersey will ultimately follow the great advice it has served to provide to everyone but itself and repeal the ill-fated "Cosmetic Procedure Tax".

Cosmetic Surgery - The Most Cost Effective Way

Where once it was frowned upon or ever laughed at, plastic surgery in China is now among some of the highest quality in the world. Many of the surgeons have spent years training in the US and then taken their skills and knowledge back to China where they can perform the same surgeries with the same level of quality as you would expect to find in the US for a fraction of the cost. In many cases people in US do not get the cosmetic surgery they want or need because of the extremely high cost of these procedures in US facilities. While many of these procedures are purely elective and have no real medical value, it still does not stop people from continuing to want them; however the one thing that does stop them is cost.

Fortunately plastic surgery in China can be as much as 70% less than the same procedure in the US making it far more affordable to travel overseas. Here in the US only those plastic surgeries that are deemed exceptionally medically necessary may be covered by insurance policies or included in HMO plans, and in many cases only a percentage is covered requiring huge co-payments that many people cannot afford even when they desperately need the procedure done. In China plastic surgery may be done on a cash paying basis but because the costs are so much lower, more people can afford to finally get the surgery they need and actually be able to pay for it. There are many different types of plastic surgery in China, many of which are purely cosmetic such as penis or breast enlargements that no insurance company is going to pay for. Face lifts and tummy tucks are becoming very common place and combined with liposuction and Botox injections to give older ladies a chance to look much younger than their true age would have them look.

These procedures prove to be cost prohibitive in the US, but are easily affordable when you travel to China. While you may be in foreign country for you treatment, you will find that having plastic surgery in China is probably more pleasant and less stressful than having the same surgical procedure done in a US hospital, especially when you factor in Chinese hospitality. If you have been considering plastic surgery in China there are companies that specialize in helping to arrange for you to go to China for the procedure you desire. A company such as International Medical Tourism Group can help connect you with the right doctors and hospitals to get the type of surgery you wish to have done. They will take care of everything from getting you on the plane to China with the right travel papers to the minute you arrive back in the US following your surgery. All cases managers are medically trained and have the expertise to make your trip as worry free as possible.

Dentist: Providing Oral Health Care Through General and Cosmetic Procedures

If you are looking for a professional dental practice to address your oral health condition such as wide gaps, crooked and missing teeth, a misaligned bite, or any condition that may cause you to seek treatment from a dentist, find a dental practice that has professionals that are committed to creating healthy and beautiful smiles.

Through a thorough evaluation of your oral health, the professionals at the dental clinic can recommend the right treatment to address your issues. If you have experienced something like pain every time you chew on food, experienced oral health providers at the dental practice can get your gums and teeth healthy and strong again.

The following are some dental procedures that may be offered and a brief description of each:
• Dental Implants-Replace missing teeth with the use of a tiny titanium screw that is surgically placed into your bone and allowed to heal.

• Orthodontics-Dentistry that concentrates on how teeth fit together. Used to repair improper bites, under bites, jaw misalignment, crooked teeth, overbites, teeth crowding and more.

• Bridges-Used to fill the space that was created by a missing tooth and is formed to look like your natural teeth.

• Sealants-Often used to fill the pits and fine grooves that may accumulate from plaque.

• Periodontal Treatment-Treatment for periodontal gum disease such as scaling and root planning is a deep cleaning method that scraps tartar from below and above the gum line and gets rid of spots on the tooth root.

• Cosmetic Dentistry-Any dental procedure done to fix the imperfections in the appearance of the smile. These procedures improve alignment, color, spacing and more to improve overall appearance.

• Invisalign- This procedure is used to straighten the teeth through a minimally invasive procedure that uses spacers that are virtually undetectable and can be worn while you brush your teeth or eat.

• Extractions-An option for a tooth that is cracked, broken, or has significant amount of decay is the removal of the tooth in order to maintain proper oral health.

• Crowns-Provide full coverage restoration in order to cover the tooth that may possibly break, or is too thin to be restored with a filling.

• And much more

Schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist that provides both general and cosmetic services so you can get all of your dental care needs met. You can also find out about the additional dental services the dentist provides. Visit the website to get a detailed account of all of the procedures and some information on the dentist.

Botox Cosmetic & Other Alternatives to Plastic Surgery - 8 Facts to Know

I recently visited a Dermatologist and she gave me a quick education on Botox. I pretty much got answers to my questions and thought I'd relate them in this article. Here are some facts:

1. Botox Cosmetic was FDA approved in 2002. It temporarily reduces moderate to severe frown lines. It is the most popular physician administered aesthetic procedure in the United States. 3.3 million+ treatments were performed in 2005.

2. Botox Cosmetic is a purified protein that is injected into the muscles that cause wrinkles. This causes the muscle to relax which cause a decrease in the wrinkle. As we age, we begin to get creases, also known or wrinkles that mar our skin. Muscles under the skin are continually moving and "creasing our skin as our face mirrors our emotions. These areas of the face around the eyes and mouth which show frowns and smiles are often first to show these creases.

3. Botox Cosmetic Results last for approximately four months following treatment.

4. Botox Cosmetic Treatment is minimally invasive. No anesthesia is required.

5. After undergoing Botox treatments, patients can start looking for results in a few days. Although rare, in some cases, results may not be visible for a week. The effect of the treatment will last for up to four months, although results will vary from one patient to another.

6. I also learned the difference between Botox Cosmetic and Facial Wrinkle Fillers. Facial Fillers are cosmetic fillers that make facial folds appear softer because they restore lost volume and decrease the appearance of lines. This contrasts with Botox Cosmetic due to Botox Cosmetic relaxing muscles that are the cause of wrinkling. In a nutshell, Botox Cosmetic does not fill the wrinkles as do the wrinkle fillers. There is an ever changing filler industry. Should you decide to use fillers, make sure you go to a place who is always up-to-date on the latest technology.

6. Fraxel Laser Treatments have received vast national media coverage. Fraxel® Laser treatments specifically target skin that has been damaged by the sun or is wrinkled by age. They target damaged areas by manufacturing a plethora of deep microscopic treatment zones to promote new, healthy growth.

7. Intenses Pulsed Light (IPL(TM)) Photorejuvenation treats damaged skin without disrupting the skin's surface. The noninvasive nature of this treatment is one of its pluses and there is very limited "down time". Photo Rejuvenation is non invasive and can be tailored to each individual patients needs.

8. Thermage is another noninvasive skin treatment. It's efficacy has been proven in clinic tests. The design of this treatment is to smooth, tighten and contour skin. Due to the non invasive nature of this treatment there is little down time and the results of this treatment can last for years. in some individuals depending upon their own process of aging.

Improving Cosmetic Results With a Skin Sparing Mastectomy

Technological developments have created the option of a skin sparing mastectomy. There are numerous benefits to choosing this type of surgeon, the most obvious of which is the natural look that a surgeon can create once the procedure is complete. This area of the body can end up with the same look and texture as it did before the operation. A surgeon can help a patient determine if this is the best option and how to proceed.

How The Operation Works

A majority of the epidermis is left when a patient undergoes a skin sparing mastectomy. Instead of removing a large portion of skin, the surgeon removes only the nipple and the surrounding areola. Through this opening, the cancerous tissue is removed giving the patient peace of mind that the issue has for the moment been resolved. In order to fill in the void left by the cancerous tissue, tissue from another portion of the patient's body can be removed and inserted into the same opening. Then, the nipple and the areola are reattached. In most cases, it can take anywhere from two to six hours to complete.

Reasons to Choose a Skin Sparing Mastectomy

If a patient is ready to remove the cancer and undergo reconstruction at the same time, this is the perfect operation. Everything is completed at once and the patient only needs to recover from one procedure as opposed to multiple surgeries over the course of several months or even several years.

This operation also provides the most natural looking results when compared to other procedures to combat and reconstruction after cancer in this area of the body. Because the replacement tissue comes from the patient and all of the epidermis and tissue is not removed, a woman may feel that she has chosen the most natural option, as she is not adding anything foreign to the body. The replacement tissue is coming from another area of her body.

Recovery

Just like any other operation, patients should plan to spend some time recovering. It is not unusual to stay in the hospital for one or more nights while the body is working on the healing process. Once released, a patient can go home and relax but should not plan on any type so strenuous activity for at least the next few weeks. Around one week after the procedure, the patient may need to return to the surgeon's office to have the drains removed.

If you are considering a skin sparing mastectomy, talk with your doctor about whether or not this is the best option for you and your body. You can learn more about how the procedure works and what you can expect in the future.

Wrinkle Reduction Treatment - Age Gracefully!

Wrinkles are one of the most obvious signs of aging and it's an undeniable fact that we all get them as we grow old. Everyone hates wrinkles and wants to get rid of these unwanted signs of aging. You will find a variety of cosmetic dermatology procedures that help reduce these. However one of the safest and most reliable treatments among all is the laser skin tightening. Here you will find some miraculous benefits of this reliable wrinkle reduction method.

How the Wrinkle Reduction Method Works?

Laser skin tightening is one of the most innovative and latest technologies that work best for reducing fine lines and other signs of aging. It's a non-surgical, slightly invasive method for wrinkle reduction in which laser of infrared light is used to heat up the collagen beneath the skin. The frequency of the wavelength is transmitted through the middle layer of the skin, called dermis. Basically, this heat therapeutically treats the framework of the skin made up of collagen and elastin fibers. This heating effect stimulates the process of collagen remodeling i.e. formation of new collagen and it ultimately leads to the tightening of skin.

Miraculous Benefits of this Treatment

Laser skin tightening offers various benefits that are listed below:

- Effectively stimulates the process of collagen production.
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines.
- Also minimizes other effects of laxity.
- Dramatically produces firm skin and it can be used for eliminating wrinkles.
- No downtime following treatment.
- Rare side effects.

Effective for All Areas of the Body

The reliable treatment of wrinkle reduction has been verified for producing its incredible effects on almost all areas of the body. People who want to remove their age lines can easily get revitalized appearance. This skin treatment also works best for face, neck, arms, legs, abdomen and buttocks. Instead of taking invasive treatments like liposuction and mini tummy tuck surgery, it is better to opt for the non invasive method of laser skin tightening which can reduce skin laxity.

Get Optimum Results!

You can get desired results immediately after completion of the treatment. However, natural formation of collagen is stimulated which may take some time, so patients generally get optimum results after a few months. The number of treatments required for each patient may vary.

Temporary Side Effects

One of the featured advantages of the wrinkle reduction method is that there are almost no or rare side effects associated with this treatment. People usually feel contracted skin with a very few fine lines in after completion of the procedure. Risks associated with this treatment include temporary redness, little chance of scarring and the lightening or darkening of treated areas is often experienced.

Laser skin tightening is a reliable and effective wrinkle reduction treatment that reduces wrinkles and contracts loose skin thus, gives you a rejuvenated, firmer, healthier and younger look.

Are All Cosmetic Surgeons Qualified In Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast reduction surgery comes with quite a few health benefits for patients who opt for this surgery, and all cosmetic surgeons are trained in this surgical procedure when they are going through their residency. While this means that any of the cosmetic surgeons you find could do this surgery for you, it could be a better idea for you to look for a specialist for your breast reduction.

Just like any other surgery, choosing a specialist in the field is going to ensure that the potential complications that can come with breast reduction surgery can be significantly reduced. This means you will most likely experience fewer scars, avoid sensitivity loss and end up with a more esthetically pleasing result.

Often the reason for opting for breast reduction surgery is because the patient is experiencing back and shoulder pain from the weight of their breasts. Larger breasts can often also impede the person's full range of motion, causing restrictions in their lives.

Of course, when you are researching the best cosmetic surgeon for your surgical reduction, you should go and have a consultation with each surgeon when you've drawn up your shortlist. When you set out to interview potential cosmetic surgeons, ensure you gather the following information from them:

- How many successful breast reduction surgeries has the surgeon completed in the past year?
- Does the cosmetic surgeon have any complaints from previous patients before the medical board in any jurisdiction?
- Has any of the cosmetic surgeons you are considering had any action taken against them by the medical board?
- Are they licensed and legally permitted to perform the surgery in the jurisdiction you are living in?
- How long have they been practicing breast reduction cosmetic surgery for?

All of these questions and their answers should be carefully considered when you are looking to have a breast reduction. At the end of the day there is more to be considered than qualifications and experience. You need to feel comfortable with the cosmetic surgeon you have chosen. It's important that you feel you are in safe hands, and that your surgeon took the time to listen to your concerns and answered you in a reassuring, knowledgable way. If you don't feel comfortable with the surgeon but you can't quite put your finger on why, this may be your intuition trying to give you a message, and you shouldn't ignore it.

Be a Cosmetic Hunter in Mists of Pandaria New Challenge Mode

Part of the pull of being a hunter in virtual reality is the ability to experience an avatar of great importance in an alternate world; especially with incredibly artistic armor sets, weapons, mounts, and vanity pets. The new World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria is taking its dominance of the MMO genre to even more epic levels this time around by adding challenge modes to their dungeons. Players said they needed more pull to farm the 5 man's, and developers delivered.

If a hunter doesn't really enjoy the look of a certain tier of armor, or even of the older styles through transmogrification, the cosmetic rewards for Challenge Mode are stunning. The only way to get them is to group up and take on dungeons with a timed event, which the participant must work as a team to beat the mode in time to win the prize. It's a digital PvE Olympic gauntlet that rewards the victorious with either a bronze, silver, or gold. It's a complete re-haul of the outdated "normal" and "heroic" modes. Each of the three medals has its own tier of rewards, therefore the more gold metals, the more of that tier in unlocked, including more cosmetic wonders of Pandaria.

What this means for Hunters

It means being required to essentially meld together PvP play style with PvE tactics and preparation; it means battleground communication in a dungeon environment; it means lighting fast PvP style adaptation in a team setting facing the clock. As hunters farm the dungeons progressing their character and item level, they need to pay close attention and start taking mental notes. However, it should be kept in mind that once a dungeon is set on Challenge Mode, gear is normalized. So it doesn't really matter what kind of gear someone has. This means everyone is going to start out on an equally solid footing. In order to achieve the gold, players will be forced to know the ins and outs of their toon's capabilities and be able to execute them with timed precision.

For hunters who are cosmetically driven, this means a tremendous amount. Picture taking a screen shot with a new rare beast, standing faithfully aside a brand new mount with cosmetic enhancements. The cosmetic hunter is decked out in armor sets that defy the pre pandaria era, and to top everything off, their medals are tracked and inspectable for all to see and admire! It's never been better to be a cosmetic hunter.

Thailand Plastic Surgery - My Journey

After suffering from an extreme case of bells palsy in 2007, I was left with the right side of my face droopy, my eye and eybrow was left with no muscle tone at all. My eye was almost closed and watered all the time, and my mouth was left sagging, on one side, causing me to dribble when I ate or drank anything. After receiving treatment in Australia from neurologists and loads of other specialists, which included Botox injections and months of being on steroids and morphine because of the pain and weeks in and out of hospital, I became housebound and very very depressed and started to seek advice from Plastic Surgeons here in Australia. Desperate to be restored to my old self, the only options I was told was to have a face lift and the cost would be anywhere from $15,000 to a whopping $25,000 with no guarantees.

Knowing how bad I was feeling, my husband noticed an article in the Sunday newspaper that advertised Plastic Surgery in Thailand with a saving of up to 70%.

I did some research on the internet and found some scarey stories and some great stories, some stories of how dirty the hospitals were and how they didn't sterilize their needles etc, then other stories saying what a high standard the care was so I was very dubious, and not knowing much about Thailand at all, I thought about it for some days before phoning the number on the ad. That phone call literally changed my life.

I discovered that 3 doctors from one of Thailands top hospitals were visiting Australia and giving free consultations, and answering questions. I went along to the meeting unsure of what I was going to find, and met three of the most compassionate, caring, warm and friendly thai gentlemen. They spoke good English, showed me a dvd of the hospital, the facilities and also what to expect as a tourist visiting Thailand.

I had a long consultation with one of the surgeons, and was so impressed by how caring he was, he explained what could be done to rectify my problem, he explained what he didn't think could be rectified, he did sketches of exactly how the surgery would be performed, explained in great detail the aftercare required and told me the cost, which was far far less than anything I had been quoted by surgeons here. He also explained that the hospital limo would pick me up from the airport on arrival, take me to my resort, and all my transfers to and from the hospital were included. After the surgeon gave me his email address and phone number and told me to contact him at anytime if I had any questions I would like to ask.

I left that meeting with a feeling of great hope and happiness that I had found the right doctor, someone that listened to me and understood my needs.

I went home and after discussing it with my husband, he could see the change in my mood, I booked the flight for two weeks time. Finally I was going to get my old face back, I couldn't wait.

Two weeks later I boarded my flight for Thailand, I had to make the journey on my own, because we have three young children and it was term time. I was scared to death, not because of the surgery, but because I was travelling alone to a strange country. After about a 9 hour flight, I arrived into a bustling, noisy airport, finally got through customs and there right in front of me was a board saying Mrs. Fraser, wow what a relief, I was taken to a waiting limo, and whisked away into the hustle and bustle of Thailand, motorbikes everywhere, sometime 3 or 4 people on a motorbike, people on motorbikes with babies, people on motorbikes with chickens, people on motorbikes with umbrellas up, shielding them from the sun.

I fell in love with Thailand there and then, the people are so lovely, so peaceful and kind, the culture is so different from anything that I had ever experienced before.

Arriving at my resort overlooking the most stunning beach, my driver carried my bags to my room and advised me that he would be picking me up later in the day for my consult with the doctor. After a short nap and some lovely thai food at one of the many beachside cafes, my driver picked me up and drove me to the hospital where I was greeted by the most beautiful and immaculately dressed nurses. Within minutes I was reaquainted with the lovely thai gentlemen that I had met in Australia. My surgery was scheduled for 10am the next morning, my driver would pick me up the next morning at 8am, and I could expect to stay one or two nights at the hospital.

After returning to my hotel, totally shattered from my exciting journey, I slept like a baby until the next morning. Sure as his word, my driver was there 8am on the dot. I was admitted to hospital and taken to my room which was actually nicer than my resort room and that was pretty fantastic. I had a window overlooking the city, a balcony, plasma tv, ensuite, telephone, internet, beautiful welcome basket and all the luxuries of home and I was waited on hand and foot by a stream of beautiful nurses.

I was taken down to the theatre, everywhere was spotless, i would honestly say it was more hygenic than some hospitals I had been to in Australia. The nursing staff were amazing. When I awoke I was in my room, with the doctor and two nurses, caring for my every need. That evening I chose my meal from a menu that could beat any restaurant, then I slept on and off between nurses coming in and out throughout the night doing their obs.

I stayed for two nights, because I was travelling on my own, then I was taken back to my resort, with my medications and creams, I spent the next 10 days between the beach, the markets and the beautiful restaurants. Everyday somebody from the hospital checked up on me and asked if I needed anything. On my last day, my driver picked me up at 8am and took me back for the last time to see the doctor for my stitches out. After being given the all clear, and finally seeing the new or old me back again, I was taken back to my hotel for a few hours,rest and packing.

Quite sad that my adventure had come to an end, I had fallen in love with Thailand and it's beautiful people, someday I would come back with my family and share in the wonders of Thailand.

I have written an e book that explains where the best surgeons and best hospitals are, what to look out for, where to stay and what to do....and also how to get a free holiday with your surgery.

http://thaisurgery.weebly.com