Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are bandied about so much people often confuse them. While both involve the improvement of your appearance, there are distinct differences.

Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery

Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are designed to improve the appearance of a person. This can be done through lifts, tucks, reshaping and so on. The correct usage of the terms, however, is dependent upon the underlying reason for the surgical procedure.

Plastic surgery is an elective surgery. In its most basic form, plastic surgery takes a normal part of the body and improves it in a manner desired by the patient. Common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast enhancement or reduction, nose reshaping, reshaping of the abdomen and the well-known facelift. All of these surgeries are based purely on a voluntary desire to improve one's appearance.

Reconstructive surgery is often elective, but can also be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery differs from plastic surgery in one significant way. It is focused on making improvements to a damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, a person may suffer damage from trauma or disease that leaves a part of the body looking abnormal and functionally deficient, such as breaking facial bones in an automobile accident. Reconstructive surgery will be undertaken to repair the facial structure so that it both performs and appears normally. While appearance is important, most reconstructive surgery focuses on functionality first.

The differences between plastic and reconstructive surgery often blur. Breast enhancement or reduction surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Repairing breasts after the all too common complications of breast cancer is considered reconstructive surgery. Repairing the septum of the nose is considered reconstructive surgery, but simply reshaping the nose is considered plastic surgery. This blurred line is repeated in other areas as well.

Ultimately, the dividing line between reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery is mostly an academic debate or vary obvious given specific circumstances. Regardless, it is important to understand that there is a distinction.

Cosmetic Beauty Products, Anti Aging and Acne Care

Japanese are popular for their flawless and beautiful skin. One of the main secrets to their beauty is use of natural and organic beauty products. Whether you are worried about the excessive dryness on your skin or you want to look fairer, Japanese cosmetic beauty products have an answer to all of your skin problems.

Japanese hair care

Tsubaki oil is natural camellia oil found in Japan. This oil is golden in color and can prove to be very useful for your hairs. Unlike Cosmetic Beauty Products made out of chemical and toxic elements, Tsubaki oil acts as a natural conditioner that makes your hair look healthy and smooth. It also provides the required nourishment to your scalp and also makes the roots of your hair healthy. It promotes hair growth and is rich in olein acid that adds shine to your hair. Glycerides present in the Tsubaki oil also helps to treat damaged hair. Tsubakin oil is the best choice for those who long for healthy and beautiful hairs.

Japanese anti aging products

There are a variety of Japanese facial creams and moisturizers available in the market that make your skin look younger and healthier. For instance, anti-aging face mask made out of a combination of hyaluronic acid, ceramides of rice bran and other extracts of rice bran, alginin, and vitamins is one of the best ways to avoid wrinkles and blemishes that develop with age. Hechima gourd water products made in Japan also helps you to keep your skin looking young and healthy. You can find many other Japanese anti-aging products on various websites that deal in Japanese beauty products.

Japanese acne skincare

Acne is one of the main skin problems faced by masses today. Japanese manufacture effective acne products that are made from natural ingredients. Nuka rice bran washing bag is the perfect natural product for those who want to get rid of their acne problem. Those who have acne should immediately discontinue using harsh soaps on their face. They should start washing their face with Nuka rice bran face wash. It acts as good acne cleaner by controlling excessive oil secretion and deeply cleansing the pores of your skin.

Making a Good First Impression in Dental Health

You might have seen some television series, where an applicant thinks they are auditioning for a makeover show, but fact is that the makeover has already begun when they set foot in front of the presenter. These makeover television series focuses on making the best first impression possible. Over a period of seven days, or some time frame, their makeover candidates get transformed from the inside out.

The contestants are taken shopping by experts to improve their clothing sense and style, they learn new skills to improve their confidence and image, their hair and makeup are spruced up, if necessary they undergo laser eye surgery, sometimes cosmetic dermatology is needed and in most cases they undergo some cosmetic dentistry. By the end of the show, one can just smile in the big change. They sometimes look up to 10 years younger.

Many people take their appearance for granted. They do not care what first impressions they make on other people. Looking good doesn't happen by itself. Looking good needs some work and some assistance. Do not turn to others to always make you look good. You have to take care of it yourself. The first step, is to start loving yourself, if you do, you will then take the time and effort to take care of and look after yourself.

Start by taking care of your skin. Daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing will take years off your skin. Shower or bath daily, this sounds like trivial advice, but you will be amazed to find out how many people do not follow this hygiene regime. Use a good hand and body lotion. You will be surprised with the change of your skin. And take care of your teeth. To prevent teeth decay and damage, you have to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothbrush that is not too hard and a quality toothpaste, use a mouth wash every day and floss regularly. Admittedly, stained teeth are not always because of neglect, food or smoking, could stain teeth, although discoloration could also be contributed to the use of certain antibiotic medications. Teeth often become darker as a result of mineral structure changes of the tooth and the enamel becoming less porous.

Dentists will always try to save a tooth, rather than use extreme measures. Cosmetic dentistry or restorative smile correction is a special field of dentistry. Cosmetic dentists have repaired many challenging dental conditions easily by using technological advancements in the field of dentistry.

Should you think that you are not as self-confident anymore because of the lack of a perfect smile, you should undergo restorative or cosmetic dentistry. There are many options available to you, like - teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding, implants, bridges, onlays and inlays, and fillings.

So in order to make a good first impression, take care of your hair (wash and comb regularly, style if necessary), your body (bath or shower daily and use body and hand lotion), your skin (cleanse, tone and moisturize) and your teeth (brush, floss and use mouth wash).

A Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Scar Allows Great Cosmetic Results and Heals Reliably Fast

For almost 50 years the only surgical incision routinely used to carry out an open heart operation has been associated with an unsightly, foot long, painful scar through the breast bone. Sometimes open heart surgery patients have been fondly referred to as "members of the Zipper club". Well, things are dramatically changing thanks to minimally invasive heart surgery techniques and expert surgeons with a special interest in an easier and faster recovery for their patients.

Let's compare the old breast bone splitting incision (sternotomy) to the new, no scar minimally invasive approach.

• The sternotomy implies breaking the breast bone in its entire length (8" to 12") with a specially designed saw. The new approach consists of a 2" long incision between the ribs on the side of the chest (minithoracotomy) WITHOUT any bone cutting.


• The old incision heals slowly and is more prone to infections and bleeding because it involves a broken bone. A minithoracotomy heals faster and is extremely unlikely to get infected because it is through healthy muscle and soft tissues that, unlike bones, benefit from an excellent blood supply and healing potential.


• The sternotomy scar is smack in the middle of the chest from the base of the neck all the way down to the stomach area. The minithoracotomy scar can often be completely hidden out of sight in the skin crease under the breast.

Most patients who underwent minimally invasive heart surgery can wear shirts, blouses, evening gown with daring decolletes and v-necks without any showing of the tiny scar.

This less invasive approach is proven to be a significant step forward in our effort to device techniques that allow our patients a faster, smoother recovery after open heart surgery. If these surgical options are not available at your local hospital, do not be shy about inquiring about them. In many cases, a frank discussion with your doctors can help you identify better options for you.

These advanced open heart procedures are not available everywhere. More and more patients are now willing to travel to pursue specific surgical treatments and reputable minimally invasive heart surgery centers are seeing increasing numbers of out-of-state patients.

Easy Cosmetic Surgery Loans - Grab Incredible Looks With Easy Finance

Having everything beautiful and perfect in your personality is not in everyone fate. Nowadays, it has become the tendency of an individual to judge a person from his/her overall personality and looks. If you have certain birth marks or want to improve anything in your face or body, cosmetic surgery can be an amazing technology. Admitting the fact that it is quite an expensive affair, easy cosmetic surgery loans have been introduced to provide swift financial assistance without any trouble.

Searching the best surgeon is the foremost requirement and after that you can calculate the amount required for cosmetic surgery. According to your requirements and capability, easy cosmetic surgery loans are available in secured as well as unsecured form. For big surgery, secured form can be the best option. It is inescapable of collateral and avails you huge loan amount. The amount that you can with secured option can be varied from $5,000 to $75,000 for the term duration of 5-25 years. On the contrary side, if you need small cash aid in the ranging from $1000 to $25000 then you must consider unsecured option. It can be utilized for the term period of 1-10 years.

Without any obligations, the loan amount borrowed from cosmetic surgery loans can be used for any type of surgeries. There are be multitude surgeries that you can undergo by utilizing this funds like liposuction, breast implants, gastric implants, dental reconstruction, tummy tucks, face lifts, nose reshaping, dentistry, hair transplant, breast augmentation and so on.

If you are embarrassed because of your worst credit status, no need to anxious as these loans do not disapprove your application. It accepts the borrower with any type of credit status without any apprehension. If you are carrying adverse factors like arrears, foreclosures, bankruptcy, deferred payments and so on, you are still applicable.

To look better and gorgeous, apply with these loans assistance with so much ease. Here, growing your outer persona can be a real ease without any financial hassle.

Important Pointers For Choosing A Cosmetic Dentist

Usually when people think of dentists, they terrified of the pain that they might have to experience at the clinic. But, these days, with the advent of cosmetic dentistry, you can say good bye to drilling and all other painful treatments. This method enhances the appearance of your teeth with some slight alterations made to it through painless treatments. This process is performed by a professional dentist who is called the cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist has to clear a specific test and undertake special training in order to pursue this role. He must also acquire relevant experience in the field.

A cosmetic dentist makes use of advanced technology in cosmetic dentistry to ensure that all your dental problems are solved without much pain. You can get treated for gum problems, tooth crowns, invisible veneers, dental bridges, gum lift, tooth bonding, get tooth implants, undergo gum surgeries, teeth correction, root canal treatments and even have your teeth reshaped.

You might have observed that many people in your neighbourhood have shinier and whiter teeth like the celebrities you see in movies or TV shows. They are able to sport such teeth owing to the magic created by a cosmetic dentist. This can happen to you too and you can experience the transformation of an ugly duckling turning into a beautiful princess.

You will find several cosmetic dentists in almost every locality owing to the growing popularity of cosmetic dentistry. But before zeroing in on one, it is essential to remember a few important pointers such as the following:

Years of Experience

You need to make sure that the dentist you wish to choose has vast experience and expertise in the field and is also up-to-date with the most recent info. This is very much essential as he will be who is dealing with your teeth. Even the slightest of mistakes might spoil your smile and influence your overall appearance.

Artistic Abilities

It is essential for a cosmetic dentist to be very creative and have a knack to perform this procedure. You need to take a look at the photographs of the previous patients to be informed about how they looked before and after the treatment.

Friendly Approach

Be sure that the dentist and his crew have a friendly approach. Validate the fact that they explain the procedures beforehand in a comprehensible way. This will help you feel comfortable while the dentist deals with your teeth.

Affordability

Whatever services you avail from a cosmetic dentist, it is best advised to be aware of the fact that you actually get your money's worth and also check whether the services are reasonably priced. You must also verify if the dentist accepts dental insurance of any kind which might reduce the cost of this treatment.

Research

Try researching for the best dentist in your locality by either reading reviews on the internet or asking your friends, relatives or colleagues.

With the help of all the aforementioned points, it would become easy for you to find a good cosmetic dentist and look more beautiful.

Medical Spas - Why You Should Go

When a day spa teams up with medical professionals, it is often known as a "medical spa." Offering a wide variety of services from massages and body treatments to microdermabrasion, Botox, chemical peels, and laser hair removal, the modern medical spa is pleased to assist all forms of cosmetic enhancement and anti-aging efforts. Men and women looking to reverse the effects of sun, aging, and gravity with the experience and expertise of a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant will be pleased with what a medical spa has to offer. These institutions often offer medically sound and technologically advanced procedures at a fraction of what it would cost through a doctor's office.

While a team of aestheticians performs most of the procedures, a medical spa requires the expertise of a medical doctor to oversee the operation. The amount of participation by the doctor will vary from spa to spa and business to business. While some doctors may add their name to the organization, that doesn't mean they are present or perform any procedures on site. Other doctors prefer to be highly involved in their spa and will visit for daily procedures or book regular clinic hours. If it is important to you to visit with a medical doctor before your cosmetic procedure, then be sure to thoroughly research the facility you are planning to visit.

However, even if a doctor isn't performing your actual procedure, it is possible to be treated by a team of highly experienced and thoroughly trained professionals. Many aestheticians are required to obtain several years of training and even more years of experience before being hired by an elite medical spa. Since there are currently no national laws governing the credentials and licensure of particular aesthetic procedures, it is important to do your research and view as many before-and-after photos as possible. With most cosmetic procedures, the outcome is highly dependent on the skill and expertise of the person performing the operation. As such, it pays to do your research. You will often find that you get what you pay for, but putting up a little more cash will be worth it in the long run.

Another facet of the medical spa that you should evaluate is the type of procedures and techniques used for each treatment. Any spa interested in providing the best service for their patients and clientele will strive to offer the most technologically-advanced and safe equipment and techniques. The field of cosmetic enhancement is consistently evolving. Ensure your institution is up-to-date with current procedures that are less invasive, less painful and require less time to recover or heal. Be sure to shop around and ask any questions you might have. Open communication between the client and service provider is essential to ensure overall patient satisfaction.

In conclusion, a medical spa is an ideal blend of relaxation, rejuvenation and renewal. Indulge in a day filled with gentle and non-invasive procedures designed to help you feel and look your best. Contact one in your area to arrange a visit today.

Plastic Surgeon for Men

A plastic surgeon may specialize in different aspects or areas of the human body. Due to the many different areas that can undergo surgery, the doctor is likely to have various kinds of procedures to master and offer to his patients. There are no specific procedures that focus mainly on men or on women exclusively. Most of the procedures can be done to both genders as long as the conditions are right. The preference to focus on one gender is entirely up to the medical practitioner. There is very little difference between the operations for males and females and most of the differences are based on the physical structure of each gender.

Popular Surgeries

On the rise as some of the more popular operations that a plastic surgeon may do for men are nose jobs (rhinoplasty), liposuction, breast reduction and hair transplants. Although these are among the most requested operations that men ask from their doctors, there are also others that vie for spots. Rhinoplasty is one of the more popular surgeries that men want done to them. One reason is because of the irregularities that often occur to a person's nasal form. Accidents can damage the nose of a man as well as fighting. A crooked nose may be seen as a rugged handsome feature but some males prefer to have clean linear lines than a crooked one, especially if the damage is too much.

Liposuction was once seen as a procedure that was mainly focused on women but men nowadays opt for the quick fix for bulging abdomens, flabby arms and chubby jowls. These are not the only parts that men might want to have the liposuction done. Men's thighs and hips are also prone to fatty deposits but not as much as women's. Breast reduction is the procedure which entails removing fatty deposits from the chest of the male. This is similar to the breast reduction operation that women also have but with a slight difference. The difference is that in women, the plastic surgeon will not strive to leave make the chest as sculpted as possible. Women's breast reduction operation leaves enough so that women will have an ample bosom, or whatever the preference is of the patient.

For men, a womanly chest is something that can cause embarrassment and fear of intimacy hence the need for the operation. The cause of this is usually genetics or too much hormones that can cause these side effects. Hair transplants are equally sought by both men and women. Men are prone to hair loss compared to women who may have thinning hair but this can be camouflaged by the remaining hair. In men, hair loss can result to immediate exposure of the scalp since most sport short hair. The implanting of hair plugs and other procedures that act to enhance the appearance of hair is considered a cosmetic surgery procedure.

These are just a few of the procedures that a plastic surgeon is likely to do on men. Some operations may seem to work more for women but actually can also do much for men.

Plastic Surgery Limitations - You Can't Look Like Your Favorite Celebrity

Plastic surgery is more popular and effective now than ever before. Not only does it play an important role in restoring appearances that have been marred by scarring, burns, and cancer, but it has become a very popular choice for those who are simply unhappy with their looks for whatever reason. However, experts in the field have begun to see more and more of a dangerous trend: people who want to go under the knife so they more closely resemble their favorite celebrity. Whether the celeb in question is Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, or Brad Pitt, experts say that this trend should be nipped in the bud.

Bringing the subject to the spotlight was a recent exchange on the social networking site Twitter between Kim Kardashian and a fan. The fan boasted that she was going to get as much plastic surgery as necessary to look just like her favorite celebrity, the socialite and reality TV star Kardashian. Kim responded by saying that everyone should be happy with who they are and plastic surgery to look like her was not a good idea. Experts agree.

Many surgeons will turn a patient away if they come in with that type of request. While it is one thing to ask for Angelina Jolie's lips or the breasts of Pamela Anderson, giving a complete body makeover to look like a star is another thing entirely. Often, it is a symptom of needing some mental counseling more desperately than they need anything a cosmetic surgeon can provide. Still, in these days of incessant idol worship and stars with increasingly unrealistic bodies, it's no wonder the average person wants to do everything they can to look more like their silver screen heroes.

Experts don't want to give the wrong opinion. Patients going in for plastic surgery often bring in pictures of celebrities to show the doctor exactly what they want done. There's nothing wrong with that, say most experts. These pictures can give the doctor an insight into your desires and expectations and can be a starting point for a more realistic dialogue. However, this is far different from bringing in a picture of Jessica Alba and saying, "Her. Do whatever you have to do to make me look just like her." Competent and professional surgeons will usually send you packing if that is what you request. Having healthy and realistic expectations about your procedure is one of the most important aspects of cosmetic operations.

Building a Medical Spa Inside Your Existing Medical Practice

The physicians conundrum: Everywhere, physicians are contemplating or engaged in expanding into the "medical spa" market. Seduced by the media buzz around this hot new phenomenon, many doctors see the medical spa as a means boosting their income and eliminating the growing grind and countless headaches of their daily practice. They read about growth statistics, see dazzling new equipment at trade shows, watch competitors popping up, and fear that they may be falling behind the times. With pen in hand they're ready to sign lease agreements, loan documents, and lots of checks in order to catch up with a crowd of savvy entrepreneurs who know where the real action is. And the truth is, they're right. Medical spas are the natural evolution of cosmetic medicine, and those who don't join the revolution will watch from the sidelines as their fate is decided.

Medical spas are the forerunner of a revolution. From Galen until now, the primary method of care has been through the hands and individual knowledge of a physician. But that's changing. The default method of care is becoming technology based. In every market and time, technologies are developed that replace an individuals knowledge and skill.

Lasers, IPLs, radio frequency, infrared, personal DNA testing, Pointe Lift™, Liposolve™, Clear², PDT, telomere clipping, anti-aging drugs and a smorgasbord of other technologies in development promise to change medicine in the same way that computers, jet engines, and GPS have changed aviation. Technology now enables a technician (under medical supervision) to perform effective medical treatments and places the physician in an oversight roll instead of being the primary practitioner. In the near future, physicians will have more in common with an astronauts than the Wright Brothers.

But changing technology poses very deep problems for physicians. Technology allows easy replication and scalability, forces an unimaginably steep new learning curve on overworked doctors, and eliminates many of the barriers and protections that physicians have relied on in the past. And it's only going to get worse.

Consider this. The combination of markets that Surface competes in is huge (40-50 billion per year and growing), highly fragmented (individual practitioner model), completely new (technology based), and free of any meaningful national players (yet). Already there are very deep pockets investigating ways to exploit this emerging marketplace. The Wal-Marts and Home Depots of this new medical marketplace are being built.

But there's opportunity as well. Technology opens new doors for physicians who can manage this new paradigm. That's why a ready supply of smart and motivated physicians tired of the daily grind of insurance patients are moving into the marketplace and successfully competing. For the first time, physicians outside the current specialties of plastic surgery (cutting and stitching) and dermatology (diseases of the skin) have the potential to earn the income of these "big money" specialties. This new market will inevitably give rise to a new specialty whose focus will be "non-surgical cosmetic medical technologies". You can see the fragmentation today. Many dermatologists now label themselves as "cosmetic" to market themselves as a subspecialty.

Hurry up and wait. You can't get enough good information fast enough. But this is a new business and demands a huge investment of time to make the right decisions. Sales reps will stream into your clinic armed with charts and graphs that go up and to the right, advertisers will drop phrases like "top of mind awareness", and you'll have a creeping suspicion that the market is getting away from you. Go slow. There are a host of land mines in the area and there are some that will be advising you to jump directly on them.

So, how do you build a medical spa inside your existing practice? Surface has three locations, four physicians, master aestheticians, technicians, patient coordinators, managers and office staff. Every treatment at Surface is governed by a set of proprietary protocols. As a business, we have advised dozens of individual physicians, managers, and investors about opening and operating medical spas. Be advised this is not easy, but here are a few suggestions.

Physician heal thyself: This is your business. Consultants make their money by telling others how to run businesses that they can't run themselves. Believe me, if a medical spa consultant was worth hiring, they would be running their own medical spa. Consultants will tell you that you have to have massage, retail should be 30% or your gross sales, and "you might want to consider hydrotherapy". Wrong. The day that retail is 30% of our gross sales I'll eat my left foot. Our retail is around 3%. If it ever gets to 5% we'll cut back. If this is going to be your business, make your own decisions.

Find someone smarter than you: The most important step is good management. Without that, people can, and have, lost everything. If you don't have good management skills, hire someone from outside medicine who does.

Franchises: "Turn key solutions". That's how almost everything is marketed to physicians. Buy this technology, hire this personnel, run these ad slicks, and everything will fall into place. Sorry. It doesn't work that way. Most of these franchises are sold as a sort of "we've already worked out the kinks" sort of deal. It's a lie. Franchises focus on the treatments that everybody else will be able to replicate with ease. It's more a case of, " In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king". You don't need a franchise.

All technology is not created equal: Despite what company reps will tell you, choosing the right technology will mean big differences at the end of the year. Efficacy, cost per treatment, initial costs, usage, and a long list of other considerations should go into technology decisions. Many physicians jump first and then end up with $80,000 towel dryers that they still have to make payments on every month. Used medical devices are readily available from the constant stream of bankruptcies and failed medical practices. Choose your technology carefully.

Understand the marketplace: Medical spas are a luxury business. And for most physicians it comes as an unwelcome surprise that their new patients are more demanding. Long waits, aloof staff members, poor communication, and ambivalent staff, are all in the past. You're touting yourself as a luxury service, act like one. Hire top-notch people that are service-oriented, friendly and courteous. Protocols can be taught easier than attitude.

Rein in your ego: This is business. It's not personal. If you feel you must charge twice as much as your competitors because you "deserve it" or you're board certified, get used to empty appointment book. One of my personal pet peeves is the condescending attitude of many physicians.

Do not use "advanced" or "laser" in your name: The number of "advanced" laser clinics is staggering. Don't do it. It's inane, overused, and bland. I actually had a physician ask me if changing his name from Advanced Laser Centers to Advanced Laser Group would get him more business.

Network with successful medical spas: Successful business owners are only to happy to help newcomers to the industry. We have constant dialogue with physicians and investors who are investigating the marketplace and have advised clinics on four continents. Successful medical spas will be happy to build bridges with smart businesses.

Don't look to day spas to solve your problems: Physicians hear "spa" and immediately think that day spas have the answers they're looking for. Wrong. The average net margins for day spas are around 8%-10%. The average physicians is 60%. This is a different market.

Don't base your pay on commission: Commissions sound like a great solution. You save overhead and motivate your staff to grow the business. Wrong. Commissions are used in spas to keep overhead low, but guess what. Staff members working for commission aren't working for you. Commissions lead to overly aggressive staff that don't do anything for your reputation.

Don't gild the Lily: You may have heard that you have to "build out" your clinic at the cost of $80-$120 per square foot. Nope. You don't have to start with treatment tables that have your clinics name embossed on them. Spend all your money before you open and you won't be able to spend it where you'll really need it... getting butts in the seats.

Stay lean: Physicians practice medicine based on science. You don't need to offer massage and you don't know anything about it anyway. Stick to the basics.

More information is available online at Medical Spa MD.

Cosmetic Surgery and Teenagers

When you think of cosmetic medicine and celebrities, certain names, like Joan Rivers and Heidi Montag, instantly come to mind as they have openly admitted to having undergone plastic surgery to improve their looks. Recent news has included Charice Pempengco in the roster of famous personalities who have had cosmetic intervention. Charice, who is 18 years old, recently had Botox injections and Thermage treatments in preparation for her debut in a hit TV show. According to reports, the procedures were intended to make her face look fresh and to soften her jawline.

This piece of news brought to fore the issue of cosmetic medicine and teenagers. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) disclosed that nearly 210,000 teens from 13 to 19 years of age received cosmetic plastic surgery in 2009. Despite several reports that the number of children seeking cosmetic enhancements are rising, data from the ASPS belie this assertion. According to the Plastic Surgery Statistics for 2008, there were 219,136 cosmetic procedures performed on the same age group during the said year. From the foregoing information, a slight decline in the number of teenage patients in 2009 can be observed. Despite this decrease, several people still felt outraged that the youth of today are even electing to change their appearance via cosmetic medicine.

The ASPS has noted that a teenager's motivation for seeking cosmetic surgery is most often conformity. Adolescence is a period where fitting in and belonging is important, especially in a school setting. It is when children seek approval from their peers and believe that such acceptance can be obtained, firstly, by looking "normal". However, it cannot be ignored that part of being normal is having certain genetic traits that may make the size of the nose or the shape of the ears rather different from others.

While there is no legally imposed minimum age for most plastic surgery procedures, breast augmentation being an exception where patients need to be at least 18 years old, the ASPS has provided guidelines for dealing with teenagers who may find themselves wanting to undergo cosmetic surgery.

It is recommended that parents, and physicians alike, first determine the readiness of the teen. Of foremost consideration is maturity - both physically and emotionally. It is important to tell them of all the possible consequences that undergoing cosmetic procedure may entail, whether it be for the short or long term. They should be informed of the whole process involved, be told of all the steps that will be taken and be made aware of any possible complications that might arise at any stage of the procedure. This is so that the child can understand and appreciate the limitations of and the benefits that come with cosmetic medicine. This is intended to keep the child's expectations reasonable. It is also preferred if they are the ones to broach the issue with the parents rather than the other way around.

There are also a number of factors that must be considered before parents allow their children to undergo any cosmetic procedure. Primary consideration should be given to ensuring that the physician handling the case is certified and that the clinic, where the procedure will be done, is duly accredited by the government. Cosmetic procedures, being medical procedures where some may be more invasive than others, involve altering a part of a person's body and extraordinary care must be given to these preliminary matters.

As with the ASPS, the author does not have a formal stand on the issue. No indignation is directed towards the fact that a number of teens are choosing what seems to others as a drastic means to alter their appearances. Regardless of their motivation, if they are aware of and prepared to face the repercussions, then their decision should be accorded respect. As a parent of a teenager who has undergone rhinoplasty said, the confidence that the improved look gave the child was something that nothing else was able to provide. It gave the child the opportunity to enjoy adolescence without taunts and insecurities. Now, how can anyone argue with that?

Should I Use a Separate Dentist for Cosmetic Procedures?

A good dentist is something everyone needs in their lives - no matter how much care you might be taking of your teeth, some day you're going to need to fix a problem related to them, and then you'll really need to make sure you're working with a good dentist. Of course, with a job as popular as this one, the availability of dentists on the market is incredible, and it's subsequently really easy to find someone good and experienced who can really help you out.

And while your dentist might be the best in performing regular procedures, this doesn't guarantee anything about the quality of their cosmetic services. Good cosmetic dentists are usually entirely separate from good regular ones, so if you need cosmetic procedures done on your teeth, you'll often have to hire a separate dentist for that. Of course, there are some exceptions, and sometimes you may very well be able to get everything you need from your regular dentist - but as we said, those are exceptions and not the norm.

In short, yes, it's definitely worthwhile to take your time and look for a cosmetic dentist separately from your regular one. And it's best if you did this before you actually needed their services - so even if your teeth are fine now and you're not thinking about any cosmetic procedures, it's still a good idea to take the time and find a good cosmetic dentist in your area. That way, if you need their services in the future, you'll know exactly who to call, without having to start doing your research first thing.

Remember that there's a bit of an artistic side to the work of a cosmetic dentist. This makes it a bit more difficult to find the right person for the job, as you'll not only need to hire someone who's experienced and skilled enough, but you'll also want them to offer something that you personally enjoy. That's not such a major point when it comes to cosmetic dentists anyway, but it's still something worth noting about your search, and definitely not something you'll want to ignore.

And, just as you keep going for regular check-ups at your ordinary dentist (hopefully you do!), you should take the time to visit your cosmetic dentist every once in a while as well. Those visits don't need to be so frequent, and you shouldn't expect to see any direct results from them anyway - but if there's some problem coming up with your teeth's appearance, a good cosmetic dentist would be able to spot that early on, and stop it in its tracks.

You'll eventually really appreciate having a good cosmetic dentist to go to. It may take a while before you even need their services, but once you do, you'll realize that it was completely worth the time and effort you've spent to find them. And you never know when you might decide to get something more interesting done with your teeth, like perhaps put in a new set of veneers to make your smile really unforgettable!

Making a Big Lip Smaller - Plastic Surgery Lip Reduction

Making a small lip bigger is, far and away, the most common cosmetic lip change requested. However, there are some patients, both men and women, that feel their lips are too big and desire that they be smaller. When one's lips are naturally excessively large, they may functionally interfere with lip competence (coming together and creating a lip seal) as well as being a source of too much attention and embarrassment.

Very large lips, also known as macrocheilia, can develop for multiple reasons. Some people just have them naturally and others develop them from multiple uncommon medical reasons. While large lips have a significant ethnic association, I have also seen a number of Caucasians from various descents who have them as well. In my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice, I have treated as many Caucasians as other ethnic groups for lip reduction surgery.

One lip condition that can be confused with macrocheilia is the double lip which occurs only in the upper lip. This is because the upper lip is too large (too much outer vermilion), it is because there is an extra roll of tissue on the underside (mucosa) of the upper lip. This becomes apparent when one smiles, as this extra roll of mucosa is seen as a horizontal roll of tissue beneath the upper lip. It surgical removal is done slightly different than a large outer upper lip.

The objective of lip reduction surgery is to create lip sizes that are more proportionate to each other as well as the rest of the face. At the least, a patient's goal is to not have them as the most dominant feature of one's face that draws the eye right to them.

Lip reduction surgery is uncomplicated to do but the surgical planning (marking) is the key. An initial mark (line) is drawn at the wet-dry junction but may change based on which part of the lip is more prominent, the dry vermilion or the wet mucosa. For some large lips, the dry vermilion is the dominant part to remove. For others, it can be more of the wet vermilion and mucosa. Careful preoperative examination of the lip must be done to make this determination. No matter which part of the upper lip is removed, you do not want the final closure (and subsequent scar) to be evident when the lips are either in rest or smiling positions. A wedge of excess lip is marked out and tapered as it goes into the corners of the mouth to prevent ant tissue excesses. I like to keep the final edge of the cut out away a few millimeters from the corner of the mouth.

Lip reductions can be done under local anesthesia, although more significant anesthesia would be more pleasant. Once anesthetized, the wedge excision removes primarily outer mucosa and the underneath submucosa. (in medical macrocheila the lip tissues removed may be deeper and more extensive) It is not necessary to remove muscle for cosmetic reduction and the labial artery should be preserved. I find that a pinch technique is very useful. By this method, the planned amount of mucosal excision is pinched up with a special instrument until the entire desired amount is in the pinch. This is then cut off with scissors and closed with a resorbable running suture. Only antibiotic ointment or vaseline is applied to the dry vermilion after to keep it moisturized as the lips swells and is prone to cracking and soreness.

The lip will swell considerably, which is normal, and it may take several weeks to appreciate the amount of reduction that has been done. Usually, about 4 to 6mm reduction sometimes more) of actual horizontal lip size can be easily achieved.

Tips About Cosmetic Surgery Cost

Individuals willing to undergo cosmetic surgery are usually concerned with its cost and the risks involved. People who are unhappy with their appearance usually go through with cosmetic surgery in order to either improve their physical appearance or to get rid of any physical abnormality. Some of minor things include removal of wrinkles and blemishes, nose reshaping and face lifts. Some other major ones are chin cleft surgery, dimpleplasty, etc. However, these surgeries do not come in cheap.

Cost varies from surgery to surgery as each surgery has different procedures. The more complicated the surgery, the higher will be the cost. It has become considerably cheaper in comparison to the past, as the middle class can afford it as well. Otherwise, only celebrities or the elite class could afford it before. The cost of cosmetic surgery largely depends upon the surgeon and the hospital or clinic.

Different types of surgeries have different costs. Like breast augmentation ranges between $3000 and $5000. Liposuction is much more expensive ranging between $5000 and $8000. After going through cosmetic surgery, you are required to stay at the hospital for a couple of days. This adds to its total cost. Similarly, if you go for regular check ups, or if the hospital requires future visits, the cost will increase. Similarly, the more experienced your surgeon is, the higher will be the fees which he will demand. Another factor that adds to the cost is the quality of equipment and materials used during your surgery. The higher the quality, the higher will be the cost.

Because of the staggeringly high cost of cosmetic surgeries, the prices are not advertised. Its not until you meet with a surgeon that you discover the cost. Cheaper hospitals and surgeons can be found, but it is not advisable to go through surgery under the hand of an inexperienced surgeon. It's better to spend a little extra in matters of health.

Marketing Ideas for Clinics

In today's business savvy world, getting an edge over the competitors is more crucial than ever. This stands true even for clinics and medical facilities. Retaining existing clients and generating new ones is something every physician, healthcare professional and medical practitioner is vouching for. With internet marketing assuming an enormous role, fierce competition is the rule for every service in the offing. Potential patients of a clinic look for a doctor on whom they can trust. However, to make this task simple, one needs to follow a carefully thought-out marketing campaign. A clinic, regardless of the practice it follows can use a number of strategies to market its services.

Particularly for clinics, satisfied patients carry around proof of the clinic's exceptional work in their mouths. To show prospective patients the kind of services you can offer them, think of displaying your patients' smiles in public like a bunch of images on a billboard. Ask your most satisfied patient to pose. Using 'before' and 'after' photos to show the procedures done is definitely a big Yes.

Provide in-depth knowledge to current and potential patients of all the services offered by your clinic. This includes attending health educational fares where you can give participants crucial information. Encourage attendees to meet and greet your office staff. Just for promotional purpose, you can hand out samples pertaining to your specific practice and service. For instance, dentists can hand out toothpastes, toothbrushes. Similarly, dermatologists can go in for sunscreen samples. Offering services on non-traditional office hours, such as Saturday or Sunday can work wonders to your marketing efforts.

Clinics often generate new patients from the local community. For this meticulous reason, it can be helpful to advertise using feedback from local inhabitants. Visuals have much more positive impact, so stick to television and print ads instead of radio. With this, potential patients can see the commendable work done by you. Moreover, ask satisfied patients to share their experience whilst they were at your clinic.

As a medical professional, all you want is your clinic to a noted and respected one. For that to happen, newspaper ads, mass mailing, brochures, pamphlets and listing in "old is gold" Yellow Pages is ideal. One of the innovative ways you can highlight your practice is by sponsoring some local events or joining hands with charity groups ensuring marketing remains in good spirit. Your name is your brand and it takes time and efforts to build that brand. The more people hear about you, the more they will trust.

How To Compare Plastic Surgeons Based On Reviews And Prices

If you want cosmetic surgery, it can be hard to know how to begin the process. You first need to find a doctor, but this can be difficult since there are so many plastic surgeons with years of experience. Find out how to get started when searching for the right doctor.

You should first find out if the treatment you are going to get will be covered by insurance. If so, you should check your insurance provider's website to start your search. After all, you do not want to waste time finding doctors who do not even accept your insurance. Most providers offer easy ways to search for practitioners near you who take your plan, so you can simply put in your address and perhaps the specialty you expect your surgeon to have. This will generate a list of doctors near you.

Now that you know who will be relatively cheap to go to, you should look through the list and start determining ways to narrow it down. This is when you should start looking at reviews online. You can read individual reviews of plastic surgeons to get an idea of how their patients think of them. But many sites feature ratings that make it easy to determine which doctor is the best on the site, at least according to patients who bothered to rate him or her.

If you do not have insurance, or if your surgery will not be covered at all, you cannot perform the initial step of checking your insurance provider's site to find doctors. Instead, you should start looking at the prices of nearby plastic surgeons. Once you have read the online reviews of practitioners near you, make a list of the top five or ten, and then start calling each office. Find out what the cash prices are, and then ask if there are any discounts when you pay upfront. You can also ask if there is a payment plan, since most offices feature financing programs, in case you cannot pay off the surgery right away. You need to know you can afford the treatment you want, before you choose a doctor.

After following these steps, you should know the highest rated doctors in your city, allowing you to feel confident that you will get a good result. You should also have an idea of how much you will pay for surgery from each one. Now you can make an informed decision, which should involve choosing the highest rated surgeon with the lowest prices.

Eight Myths and Facts About Plastic Surgery

The field of plastic surgery is surrounded by fears that can make people think twice before undergoing a procedure. Fortunately, most of those fears are unfounded. Below are some of the most common myths about cosmetic surgery as well as the facts that debunk them.

Myth: Cosmetic surgery is only for vain people.

Fact: Cosmetic surgery corrects all kinds of problems, including birth defects, abnormalities, and injuries. It can also help improve a person's self-esteem by changing a physical appearance that makes him or her feel marginalized.

Myth: A doctor must be certified in cosmetic surgery before offering his services.

Fact: The only requirement for offering cosmetic surgery services is holding a medical license. That's why it's essential that you find out whether the surgeon you're considering has received certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and whether his facility is accredited.

Myth: Plastic surgery is no big deal.

Fact: Plastic surgery is still surgery. It requires anesthesia and will cause a certain amount of pain. Your surgeon will help you effectively manage the pain you experience, but as an invasive procedure, cosmetic surgery does carry risk.

Myth: It's always obvious when someone has had a facelift.

Fact: Most of the time, you can't tell. Botched surgeries usually happen when a surgeon doesn't have the training or experience he needs to offer cosmetic surgery services. An experienced surgeon will make you look natural, but better.

Myth: Fat removed during liposuction always comes back.

Fact: Liposuction removes fat cells from concentrated areas of fat. Except in extreme circumstances, those cells will not be replaced. However, liposuction patients should eat right and exercise to maintain a healthy weight and appearance.

Myth: Botox freezes your facial muscles.

Fact: Only when too much Botox is injected into a muscle will you experience loss of functionality. A trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon can perform Botox injections that produce the results you want without the unpleasant side effects.

Myth: Plastic surgery can be done without leaving scars.

Fact: Any time an incision is made, a scar will form as the incision heals. A skilled cosmetic surgeon will make scars much less visible, but expect some minimal scarring to occur with any surgery.

Myth:Cosmetic surgery is only for the rich and famous.

Fact: Plastic surgery has become accessible for most people as costs have come down over the years. Most doctors offer payment options to help you pay for the procedures you need to have done, even if you can't afford to pay the full price up front.

No matter what myths you may have heard, cosmetic surgery can still be a viable option for you. Get answers to your questions from a qualified surgeon, and don't let unfounded myths keep you from taking this life-changing step.

Article Summary: Have you considered cosmetic surgery? Are you hesitant because of the stories you've heard? If so, you've probably heard one or more of these common myths about plastic surgery. Find out what's true and what isn't in order to make the best choice about plastic surgery.

Is Cosmetic Surgery Tax Deductible?

The news on celebrity gossip channels are always alive with stories of celebrities who have undergone plastic surgery. The news always comes with a lot of criticism with some claiming that the surgeries only make the celebrities look worse than they did before. However, irrespective of how the cosmetic surgery makes a celebrity look, the tax question at hand is whether such operations are tax deductible or not. According to the IRS, plastic surgery may either be cosmetic surgery or corrective surgery. A corrective surgery is tax deductible under medical expenses while a plastic surgery is not. Doctors and qualifying medical practitioners have the legal prerogative to determine whether a physical-attribute-altering procedure is cosmetic or corrective.

A corrective procedure is one that ideally alters the physical looks of a part of the body to restore or correct a bodily function. Such a corrective surgery can be claimed as a legitimate medical expense and is an allowable deduction. If a taxpayer pays for the corrective surgery out of his or her pocket, she or he can include the surgery as an itemized deduction on Schedule A of the tax returns and indicate the cost as a part of their medical expenses. The amount of the qualifying medical expenses to be deductible will be the excess of 7.5% of the Adjusted Gross Income as is the case with all other itemized deductions pertaining to medical expenses.

On the other hand, a cosmetic surgery is considered a procedure that is done on an individual for the purpose of changing the looks and appearances of the individual with no medical necessity to do so. In these cases, individuals will undergo a cosmetic procedure to look more beautiful or appealing. Such cosmetic surgeries are not tax-deductable and the individual who gets such an operation can claim no medical deductions. For most insurance companies that provide a health insurance policy, corrective surgery is covered while cosmetic surgery is not under their health policies.

The IRS provides the difference between the two types of surgeries in Publication 502, "Medical and Dental Expenses". In the publication, the IRS defines a corrective surgery as a procedure that improves deformities caused by congenital abnormality, personal injury, or disfiguring disease. The IRS also gives an example of a corrective surgery as an operation performed to restore a breast for a breast cancer survivor who had his or her breast removed to fight the disease. Other qualifying corrective surgeries will include skin plastic surgery to restore a victim of burns and corrective surgery taken on accident victims to restore their physical functionality. You can always find out from your doctor whether any given plastic surgery will qualify as corrective surgery or will fall under cosmetic surgery.

Three Ways That Plastic Surgery Can Help

Do you struggle with your self-image? Are you uncomfortable in a public setting because you are unhappy with the way you look? If so, then plastic surgery might be something that you should consider. Having one of these procedures can be extremely beneficial, but it is important to be sure that it is the best option for you. There are a number of ways that it can help. It can lead to improved self-confidence, help you to have more fulfilling relationships, and improve your overall quality of life.

Improved Self Confidence

The first way that plastic surgery can help you is by improving your self-confidence. If you are unhappy with the way you look, this can be extremely detrimental to the way that you feel about yourself as a whole. It can be difficult to be yourself in social settings-- people who are unhappy with their physical appearance tend to be more reserved around others. Improving one's appearance can lead to increased self-esteem, and this is something that can have benefits in other areas of one's life.

More Fulfilling Relationships

Because plastic surgery can increase one's self-esteem, it can also lead to more fulfilling relationships with others. When a person is confident with him or herself, this allows the person to be more relaxed and genuine around others. This comfort in social settings can often lead one to have more fulfilling interpersonal relationships. Relationships are one of the key components to human happiness, and when one is satisfied with his or her relationships this can lead to benefits in other areas of one's life as well.

Better Quality of Life

Finally, plastic surgery can lead to an increased quality of life in a more general sense as well. By giving one an increased sense of self-confidence and improved interpersonal relationships, a successful procedure can improve one's outlook on life more generally. The positive outlook can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction in all areas of life. It is also generally true that people who are happy with their looks and a high degree of confidence tend to be more successful at their jobs, and this is something that can greatly improve one's quality of life as well.

All in all, plastic surgery can help a person in several ways. It can lead to improved self-confidence, more fulfilling interpersonal relationships, and an improved quality of life. If you decide that this is the best option for you, then you are sure to be happy with the results.

Reasons Children Undergo Plastic Surgery

Did you know that even children could be the recipients of plastic surgery? While there are a number of situations that send a child into the world of cosmetic surgery, the goal is always to adjust a child's appearance to more closely match up with his or her peers. Different experts have differing opinions of the difference between elective and necessary procedures and it continues to be a debate in the world of aesthetics.

Birth Defect

When a child is born with a physical defect, there are solutions available to help them regain function in these parts of the body. In certain cases, it is necessary to undergo plastic surgery in order to fix the issue. One of the most common examples of children needing a cosmetic adjustment is a cleft palate. This procedure makes this area of the body more functional and adds to a person's appearance.

While not necessarily a birth defect, a birthmark can also be a source of problems for a child. In this case a plastic surgeon can help to diminish the look of the mark or remove it completely. Because a child is underage, the parents are required to sign paperwork authorizing these procedures. It is easy to understand that children experiencing these issues want to be able to fit in with their peers and remove any type of negative attention they may receive.

Trauma

When a young child suffers a trauma that affects his or her appearance, plastic surgery can offer solutions. Much like a birth defect, parents are the key individuals with the power to make these decisions. In younger children, it may not be possible to ask whether or not the child wants to make a change. But after an accident, an older child may be able to communicate the type of changes he or she would like to see. In these situations, there are often other surgeons involved in the process of plastic surgery to make sure things go smoothly in the traumatized area.

Bullying

There are times when cosmetic changes are fueled by peer pressure or even bullying. In these situations a child feels that he or she does not fit in socially and is ridiculed because of appearance. For most doctors, there is no black and white answer to whether or not the procedure should be performed. It is up to the child, the parents, and the surgeon to decide if this is the right course of action.

Many offices require different types of evaluations to ensure that this is a valid concern. Other times procedures are postponed to give a child more opportunity to finish growing. Then, the surgeon revisits the situation.

Breast Augmentation - An Outpatient Procedure Performed Under General Anesthesia

Breast augmentation procedures involve the insertion of implants to enlarge the size and to enhance a woman's shape. The procedures are performed for cosmetic reasons and reconstruction or corrective measures after injuries or cancer. Breast enlargements are simple procedures. The surgeon slips the implants through small incisions to place the implants either under or over the chest muscles. The incisions are usually made under the armpit, around the nipple or breast to decrease the scars. The incision can also be fitted through the belly.

In each of the cases, the scar is hidden in the bra line or skin fold. Many doctors prefer to place the implants below the muscles of the chest because this position helps in lowering the risk of complications otherwise called capsular contracture. This position also causes less interference with the reading mammograms. The implant is placed surgically within the pocket situated inside the breast; behind the muscles of the breast or the breast tissue.

In many of the cases, the implants are performed as an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Nonetheless, it takes about two hours to do the procedures. Once done, the breasts will need support to ease healing. Immediately after surgery, they are wrapped using an elastic bandage. After this, a supportive bra may need to be worn throughout the day and night to minimize discomfort. The stitches are removed seven to ten days.

You can expect to return to the normal activities in a few days. However, you should avoid lifting heavy things or doing strenuous exercise until the doctor says it is okay.

These procedures are performed under anesthesia in an outpatient surgery facility that has been accredited. Implants are a popular procedure that women use to enhance their body. They are also a common cosmetic surgical procedure performed on women. The decision as to whether to undergo the procedure is a personal decision.

The main types of breast implants include the silicone implants and the saline implants. The silicone implants contain a filling of silicone while the saline implants contain salt water. Silicone is a biocompatible material used for many years in medicine. It is a common product found in cardiac pacemakers, syringes and artificial joint replacements. It is also found in many products that we meet on a daily basis including food, clothing, plastics and furniture.

Implants are available in many sizes, textures and shapes. Therefore, the choice of the right implant is a decision made together with the doctor based on personal desires, body shape and size. Nonetheless, the doctor can customize the width and projection of the implant to achieve the desired look. Therefore, the surgeon helps in choosing the best size and shape.

Scam Alert - Cosmetic Dentistry Secrets The Dental Industry Doesn't Want You To Know

Are you considering getting some cosmetic dental work done? Before you plunk down the big money, there are certain things you should know about this type of dentistry that will not only benefit your health but also save you a lot of money.

Although there are dentists and dental offices that specialize in performing cosmetic dentistry, it should be noted that there is no such thing as a "Cosmetic Dentist" as the American Dental Association (ADA.org) only recognizes 11 areas of dental specialties ; Dental Public Health, Pediatric, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Because of the growing market of people who want "cosmetic" (or restorative as it's properly called) dentistry done on them such as bleeching, contouring, esthetic partials, veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth reshaping, caps, etc., there are those dentists who are trying (and succeeding!) in exploiting their patients by getting them to pay more money than they have to for procedures which, in many cases, can be done by a regular dentist (crowns, bridges, caps) for a lot less money.

The bottom line is don't just assume you need to see a "cosmetic dentist"; have a regular DDS or DMD dentist examine you first and if they can't help you, have them recommend a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry.

Four Most Popular Types Of Cosmetic Dental Work

Porcelain Veneers - It is a known fact that veneers (porcelain laminate veneers, technically) are gaining in popularity, especially among wealthier folks. Veneers are very thin porcelain 'false fronts' for your teeth. They are custom-made from a meticulous mold of your teeth, which are then applied directly to the fronts of your teeth to produce instant perfect whiteness. They are most often used to cover stains that cannot be removed through other methods, to fill in gaps, and to cover surface damage. In the world of cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are just about the most expensive solution. Prices vary considerably, depending on the renown of the dentist you use and where you live. Expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per tooth. While some people have all their teeth done, the vast majority who choose this option have just their front six teeth done (top and bottom). This translates to a total price tag of $4,800 to $12,000.

Professional Tooth Whitening - These days tooth whitening is the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry, by far. Millions of Americans have this procedure done every year. The process involves applying a gel mixture containing about 35% hydrogen peroxide directly to the teeth via a mouth tray (similar to mouth guards worn by football players). Your dentist then uses a plasma arc light or laser to quickly heat the hydrogen peroxide, which then oxidizes the stains on your teeth. You usually have a choice between having the teeth whitening done in the dentist's office, or using an at-home system that he or she devises and manages. The in-office procedure is more expensive, but is also quicker and often produces more whitening. At-home systems are slower and may not produce as much whitening, but they are less costly. In-office whitening will run you $450 to $1,200, while at-home systems generally add up to $300 to $750.

Tooth Shaping - This type of procedure is becoming popular as a way for people who have generally good teeth to fine-tune their smiles. Some people have long teeth or maybe their canines are too sharp for their liking. A very simple and relatively inexpensive procedure in the pantheon of cosmetic dentistry at just $30 to $70 per tooth, the entire process is painless and can be finished in as little as thirty minutes and one office visit. The dentist uses an instrument to essentially file or sculpt the teeth in question to the agreed upon shape. Only bits of enamel are removed, and the tooth's nerve is not disturbed, so no pain is involved.

Gum Lifting - Gum lifting is another increasingly popular form of cosmetic dentistry. A small portion of the gum line (usually the upper gum) is removed in an effort to make the gum line appear uniform. You've probably seen people with 'gummy' smiles, where the upper lip exposes most (or at least too much) of the upper gums. This procedure reduces the amount of gum showing when a person smiles, as well as making the gum line even across the teeth. Gum lifts are done tooth-by-tooth, and involve a mild local anesthetic to deaden the nerves in the gums. Patients generally report only very mild discomfort for a day or two after the procedure. This can be a fairly expensive procedure, depending on the number of teeth that need to have the gums above reduced. A gum lift will set you back $70 to $200 per tooth.

Making Cosmetic Dental Care More Affordable

Most people who get cosmetic dentristry done these days pay out-of-pocket for this service. This is because very few dental insurance policies cover so-called "elective procedures", even though some of these procedures (ie. braces, dentures, root canals) would be considered anything but "elective" by most people. However, there are a couple of steps you can take to reduce how much you will pay for cosmetic-related dental procedures, especially if these procedures are not covered by your existing dental insurance coverage;

(1) By far the best way to reduce what you pay for cosmetic dentistry is to shop around. Don't be taken in by fancy newspaper advertisements of glowing testimonials about how much better a person feels about themselves after they've went to this dentist or that dental office, do some old-fashioned comparison shopping. Start by going to a dentist that you trust and after explaining to them the type treatment you're looking for, ask them what your options are and how much they will cost. Then if you need to go somewhere else for treatment, ask your dentist for a referral.

(2) Another easy way to save money on cosmetic dentistry is to enroll in a discount or reduced fee dental plan. These plans allow members to save 15%, 20% and in some cases as much as 25% on any cosmetic procedure done by a dental specialist (Periodontist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, etc). The problem with these type of plans is that unless you live in or near a large-size city, the chances are that you'll find few if any specialists in your area who will accept a discount dental plan, so before you join any plan, make sure that plan has at least one orthodontist, periodontist and oral surgeon within a reasonable driving distance from where you live.

Choosing A "Cosmetic Dentistry Friendly" Plan

But how do you know which discount dental plan is best for you and your specific cosmetic dental needs? There can literally be dozens of plans to choose from, each one with their own participating dentists, monthly premiums and dental fee schedules, so it can be easy to pay too much for a plan. The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP.org) reports that 68% of all buyers pay too much for their dental coverage which is why its a good idea to shop around for the plan that's best for you.

Dazzle When You Smile With Proper Cosmetic Help

One of the things that a lot of us have spent a tough time over is our smile. Do you know, your smile is one of the first things noticed about your persona? A lot of people spend money to make sure their smile is a perfect one, to give a better impression. Cosmetic dentistry is one of the best and safest ways to do so.

A lot of people look at you and judge you by the way you smile. It actually determines quite a few things - your teeth hold proof of your eating habits, if you are a heavy smoker or not, and a lot of times, maintaining your teeth pays off greatly when you are chosen from among many for your pleasing persona. Sales people especially have to take care of the way they look, and a smile which does not look good can be a big minus for them. Have you ever thought about evening out your teeth which is slightly off the mark? Truthfully speaking, cosmetic dentistry can be used in quite a few ways to make sure your smile is perfect. If you have the money, straightening your teeth and brightening your smile is definitely not a big deal.

What are the common cosmetic dentistry forms? Well, the commonest form is probably a tooth bleaching, where the dentist makes sure your smile is white and perfect, by giving you a treatment that can remove discoloration from your teeth. Unevenly shaped teeth can be given more balance by cutting off uneven edges and smoothing them out to make sure they look perfectly set is another common form of such dentistry. If your teeth have gaps or unevenness which is quite prominent, bonding is another way of improving the appearance of teeth, where an enamel-like substance is applied over the teeth, and then it is allowed to harden. Then the enamel is cut and shaped according to the necessity.

Another form is definitely dental bridging. False teeth are used to cover any gaps between teeth. It has been noted that many children have the problem of missing teeth, and using a dental bridge is just the thing to dispense of such an issue. Different kinds of dental bridges are available to remedy different kind of issues related to teeth. Veneers or thin films are also put directly on the teeth, so that any discolored teeth or gap cannot be seen. Gum lift is another form of cosmetic dentistry which can actually improve the way your gum looks and give it a lift to enhance the way you smile. Different materials are used to do this, and you will find the latest techniques that are applied to enhance the way your teeth and gum looks. It is, however, crucial to maintain them in the long run, as a lot of these solutions are temporary, and can wear off with time. Regular visits to the dentist can make sure that your teeth stay white, healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Making Cosmetic Surgery Compensation Claims

Cosmetic surgery claims have increased alongside the overall rise in popularity of aesthetic surgical procedures in the UK.

Most cosmetic surgeons are highly skilled in carrying out operations but there are times when mistakes happen before, during or after surgery because of poor care given by a medical practitioner. If your plastic surgery procedure has failed due to a third party then it can have a negative effect, both physically and psychologically and there may be an avenue to pursue a cosmetic surgery claim.

Types of cosmetic surgery claims

Below is a (non-exhaustive) list of some of the most common types of claims in this area:

• Tummy tuck claims (abdominaloplasty)


• Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)


• Breast augmentation and reduction claims (mammoplasty)


• Lip enhancement claims


• Facelift claims (rhytidectomy)


• Chin augmentation claims


• Liposuction claims


• Eyelid surgery claims


• Ear surgery claims (otoplasty)

Claiming compensation following your procedure

Making the decision to have plastic surgery usually takes a lot of deliberation and thought, not to mention the finance involved. People choose to have the surgery because they want to improve their appearance and enhance their quality of life. For a procedure then to go wrong and put you in a position where you are worse off than when you started can be devastating for some patients. Cosmetic surgery claims aim to compensate as much as possible for the quality of life removed.

Your cosmetic surgery will have to have taken place within the last 3 years (in most cases) and you will need to be able to prove that there was negligence on behalf of another party. The level of pain and suffering you have experienced will form a large part of any settlement fee and there will also be the opportunity to claim for medical expenses you have had to pay for relating to your surgery. If you have not been able to work because of your injury then it is possible to factor in any loss of earnings in your compensation claim.

Getting help with your cosmetic surgery claim

Many personal injury solicitors work with people pursuing cosmetic surgery claims every day and a good personal injury team should be fully conversant with all aspects of the law relating to medical negligence. You should endeavour to choose a team of lawyers who have dealt with a range of cases historically which relate to cosmetic surgery and medical negligence compensation claims.

In the first instance, contact a reputable personal injury lawyer. It's always a good idea to browse through various legal firm's websites to check for case studies which are similar in nature to the types of injuries you have suffered. In this way, you will get an idea of how that particular legal team work.

Once you've carried out your initial research, make an enquiry to that injury law firm and provide them with as much information as possible to ensure that they have a good deal of detail to work on. In this way, they should be able to give you an idea of whether they believe that you have cause to make a claim for compensation for negligence following your cosmetic surgery.

Popular Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

More than 1.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2010, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). On top of that, 7.7 million nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed. Why are so many people getting nips, tucks and injections?

One reason for the popularity of cosmetic surgery in is a growing public acceptance of cosmetic treatments. Recently, many celebrities have started to discuss their surgical procedures more openly. In addition, many people have come to accept aesthetic surgery as an effective way to improve both their appearance and self-confidence. According to the ASAPS, 51 percent of Americans approve of cosmetic plastic surgery, and 67 percent of Americans say they would not be embarrassed if their family and friends know they had cosmetic surgery. Canadians likely hold similar views.

Below are descriptions of some of the more commonly requested aesthetic surgery procedures.

For the Face

Plastic surgeons regularly treat men and women who desire to rejuvenate their facial appearance. The leading surgeons offer both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Among surgical procedures, some of the more commonly requested treatments include brow lift, eyelid surgery and neck lift. In addition, the more prominent cosmetic surgeons also often consult facelift patients interested in various forms of facelift surgery, such as mid-facelift, thread lift and full facelift.

Popular non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures pursued by patients include Botox injections, microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

For the Body

Recently, many people have come to appreciate the amazing aesthetic effect that body contouring procedures can have on their physiques. As a result, leading plastic surgery offices see thousands of men and women interested in tummy tuck, liposuction and lower body lift. Patients who are in a very good shape but struggle with localized, exercise-resistant fatty tissue deposits often opt for liposuction, which can be extremely effective in removing these localized fat cells.

Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is a more invasive body contouring procedure than liposuction and requires a longer patient preparation and recovery time. However, for many patients the inconveniences are well worth the result-a flat, tight abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty is the only way certain patients can realize their dreams of a shapely abdomen. For example, mothers who have excess skin and stretch marks on the abdomen cannot eliminate the redundant tissues through exercise and diet alone. Similarly, women and men who have folds of abdominal skin due to massive weight loss often require tummy tuck surgery to remove the excess tissue.

For the Breasts

Another popular procedure is breast augmentation. Once a vanity treatment available only to the rich and famous, breast augmentation is now available for every woman who feels that her breasts are too small. Most breast enhancement patients notice that they look and feel better after the procedure. This is because breast augmentation can eliminate a major source of self-consciousness and help women feel more attractive, feminine and curvaceous.

Other breast enhancement treatments are available to help women obtain a more attractive bustline. Breast lift adds perkiness to breasts that have begun to sag due to childbearing, weight loss or simply the toll of gravity. Breast reduction can help women who suffer from back pain and other discomforts as a result of excessively large breasts.

Cosmetic Surgery: Post-Op Care Is Essential

As with any other surgical procedure, post-operative care is imperative in the case of cosmetic surgery as well. Following the post-operative advice of your cosmetic surgeon could well be the difference between a stellar result and a mediocre one. Regular follow up visits are crucial in monitoring the progress of recovery. The recovery time and the amount of post-operative care largely depend on the type of cosmetic surgery performed. For instance, major cosmetic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and sizeable liposuction necessitate proper nursing for a significant period after surgery.

Another point worth noting is that follow-up surgeries (or touchups) might be required to eliminate undesired effects of surgery, or to attain better results. For instance, a woman's breast implants might internally rupture and therefore necessitate a follow-up surgery. Moreover, cosmetic surgery has associated complications and risks, such as scarring, blood clots, bleeding, or an adverse reaction of anesthesia. Thus post-operative care is pivotal for attaining satisfactory results and in order to expedite the recovery process.

Post-operative care entails being careful about the body part, which has been operated upon. Undue stress and exertion to that portion, just a few days after surgery, may lead to unforeseen complications. You must strictly follow the advice of the surgeon on this issue. In addition to this, you must have realistic expectations from the surgical procedure. Since a major cosmetic surgery involves a significant recovery period, you must not expect instant results after surgery.

The most crucial aspect of cosmetic surgery is to choose a surgeon who has loads of expertise in the pertinent field, since he/she can effectively advise you about proper post-operative care. Cosmetic surgery is something that one opts for in order to improve ones appearance and, in turn, ones life. So if you don't want to settle for anything less, simply adhere to your surgeon's advice on post-operative care.

An alternative to the invasive procedures that cosmetic surgery often employs is the new medical area known as medical and aesthetic cosmetics.

What is medical cosmetics?

It's probably easier to start with what Medical Cosmetics is not. It is not beauty treatments administered by Beauticians and it is not Cosmetic Surgery. It is non-invasive medical procedures, delivered by qualified medical professionals such as doctors, nurses or dentists, that change and enhance the way people look. The most well known products and treatments are Botox, Dermal Fillers and Skin Peels.

How does the treatment work?

Over time, our skin creases in the areas where we use our facial muscles the most - if you frown a lot, you develop lines between your eyebrows, if you raise your eyebrows a lot you develop lines on your forehead.

Treatment temporarily inactivates the muscles, giving you time to break the habit of using them repeatedly and giving your skin time to recover.

The treatment only takes around 15 minutes and consists of a few tiny injections in the area to be treated.

Within two weeks, the wrinkles you were so used to seeing in the mirror will have started to fade or disappeared altogether.

For the first couple of years, frequent treatments (three monthly) are required to 're-educate' the facial muscles. Thereafter, treatments are less frequent until a yearly maintenance treatment is normally all that is required.

The Catholic Church's Influence Over the HIV Plague

I have often stood alone, especially in my battle against the pseudo-science of Peter Duesberg and Thabo Mbeki and it was indeed gratifying to be invited to the recent UN Humanitarian Awards regarding my position on this issue. I have always openly said that it is morally wrong to force a HIV/AIDS infected partner to sleep with another human being in the knowledge that the sexual act will in all probability cause the death of the innocent person. In 2001, a group of Catholic Bishops from Southern Africa condemned the use of condoms to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Bishop Michael Coleman stated, "their use is immoral and dangerous and the promotion of condoms is a misguided weapon in our battle against HIV/AIDS". He then continued, "condoms don't make a difference...this country is saturated with condoms yet we have the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world". This again, is pseudo-science masquerading itself as scientific fact. Dr. Halpenny states "apart from the fact that condoms has done nothing to halt the spread of AIDS" and unwittingly falls into this propaganda trap flouted by the Catholic Church in Africa to promote the policies of the Humanae Vitae doctrine. On this basis, I will deal with the scientific issue first.

The WHO has recently condemned the Catholic Church's views, saying: "These incorrect statements about condoms and HIV are dangerous when we are facing a global pandemic which has already killed more than 20 million people, and currently affects at least 42 million." The United Nations have also recently been profoundly disturbed by propaganda from the Catholic Church telling people in HIV/AIDS stricken countries not to use condoms because they have tiny holes in them through which HIV can pass. The Church is making these claims across four continents despite a widespread scientific consensus that condoms are impermeable to HIV. A senior Vatican spokesman, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, backs the claims about permeable condoms, despite assurances by the World Health Organisation that they are false. Scientific research by a group including the US National Institutes of Health and the WHO found "intact condoms... are essentially impermeable to particles the size of STD pathogens including the smallest sexually transmitted virus... condoms provide a highly effective barrier to transmission of particles of similar size to those of the smallest STD viruses".

Things get worse, in Lwak, near Lake Victoria, Gordon Wambi, the director of HIV/AIDS in the area has gone on record stating that local priests in the region are telling the populous "that condoms are laced with HIV/Aids." In Kenya (where an estimated 20% of people have HIV) the Archbishop of Nairobi, Raphael Ndingi Nzeki has gone of record stating, "the Catholic Church condemns condoms for promoting promiscuity and the rise of HIV/AIDS in that country. He also repeats the claim about permeability. So why would the ecclesiastical authorities openly tell lies against scientific fact and try to spread false propaganda to the distressed and diseased people of the plague stricken African nation.

Thankfully, the days of Galileo (who proclaimed the truth of the Copernican doctrine) where the Holy See believed itself to be the supreme authority in all matters of science are now behind us. In order to withstand the perceived wrath of the Catholic Church which states that the doctrines of Humanae Vitae "are contained in the Word of God, written or handed down, and defined with a solemn judgment as divinely revealed truths either by the Roman Pontiff when he speaks 'ex cathedra,' or by the College of Bishops gathered in council, or infallibly proposed for belief by the ordinary and universal Magisterium", I am going to use the intellectual argument of "licit dissent" to challenge the respective canons of the Codes of Canon Law. It is recognised by the Catholic Church that, as long as the disagreement against Humanae Vitae is well founded and respectfully stated, and as long as the Church's official teaching is properly con veyed alongside the theologian's expressed doubts, such theological dissent can be classified as "licit."

To be fair, neither Blessed John XXIII nor his successor Paul VI foresaw the conflagration of public dissent that occurred following the issuance of the encyclical Humanae Vitae in July of 1968. The majority of Catholic professors teaching theology in North America and many others worldwide at the time-publicly dissented from the doctrines of Humanae Vitae and this opposition has lasted up to the present day.

The problems started when Pope Paul VI attempted to clarify the Catholic Church's ancient teaching on artificial contraception following the Protestant church's reversal on the ancient prohibition of birth control during the Lambeth conference of 1930. Doctrine relating to the regulation of birth and the prohibition against artificial contraception was defined in doctrines, dating back to the Council of Nicea, (Canon 1) AD 325. The Church's teaching that the procreative element cannot be removed from the act of sex without incurring grave sin and violating the sanctity of marriage was largely influenced by theologians like St. Augustine, who we should remember prior to his conversion to Christianity, was a lustful youth who lived for years with a woman who bore him a son. This theologian was also enamoured with a dualistic philosophy called Manichaeism, which viewed matter as an evil opposed to spirit.

Unquestionably, these experiences coloured his views on marriage and sexuality and questionably still have some part to play in the deaths of HIV/AIDS patients in Africa. We should also remember that theologically the Bible has virtually nothing to say about birth control per se. The closest we get to this is the story of Onan (Gn 38: 1-11) being condemned to death for practicing coitus interruptus and this pertains more to his refusal to father children for his deceased brother (as Jewish Law required) than the practice of a form of birth control.

Eventually in 1964, Pope Paul VI created the Papal Commission on Population and Birth Control. The commission consisted of two parts, one of 64 lay persons, the other of 15 clerics, and they met from 1964 to 1966. One of the clerics was Pope John Paul II, then a Polish cardinal. Unfortunately, Pope Paul VI gave the Commission only one mission, not to review the moral doctrines relating to birth control but rather to determine how the Church could change its position on the issue without undermining papal authority. In 1966, the Commission concluded that it was not possible to make this change without undermining papal authority. They also stated that the Church should make the changes anyway because it was the right thing to do! In fact, the lay members voted 60 to 4 for change, and the clerics, 9 to 6 for change. Of more interest is the fact that the co-author of one report Karol Wojtyla (who is now Pope John Paul II) stated:

"If it should be declared that contraception is not evil in itself, then we should have to concede frankly that the Holy Spirit had been on the side of the Protestant churches in 1930. It should likewise have to be admitted that for a half century the Spirit failed to protect Pius XI, Pius XII, and a large part of the Catholic hierarchy from a very serious error".

In 1968, Pope Paul V1 issued the controversial Humanae Vitae encyclical to the protests of Catholics around the world. Following the massive public dissent registered against the encyclical, theologians loyal to the Church's magisterium, claimed that the teaching was both true and even infallible. I think I am write in stating that, Pope Paul VI himself never made this lat ter claim, indeed, his theological spokesman at the time the encyclical was issued, Fernando Lambru schini, specifically remarked that the encyclical's teach ing was not infallible. Hans Kung, the renowned Swiss Catholic theologian stated that a highly credible argument against infallibity could be made on the ba sis of the virtual unanimity with which the popes and the bishops had always maintained over the centuries that contraception was an evil. In June 1978, this argument was furthered by two moral theologians: the late Father John Ford, SJ, (an advisor of Pope Paul VI on the subject), and a layman, Professor Germain Grisez in an arti cle entitled "Contraception and the Infallibility of the Ordinary Magisterium". Hans Kung further stated that it was not possible to solve the problem "relating to contraception/condoms until we solve the problem of infallibility. We should remember that the Pope only became infallible in July 1870, the same year as the loss of the Papal States. Catholic historian Bernhard Hasler considers in his book, "How the Pope Became Infallible" that for more than a millennium, the Vatican had possessed temporal power that ensured its survival. With the loss of the Papal States, it appeared all but certain that a strong papacy would simply disappear and Pope Pius IX enacted the decree to consolidate the power of the Vatican.

Either way, millions of children go to bed each night without parents each night in Africa. If Dr. Halpenny can tell me where the evidence of "respect for human life and dignity" exists in this situation, I would certainly be glad to listen. I would also question whether in reality the proponents of this flawed theory would actually allow their HIV infected partner to have sexual intercourse with them if they that they were positive. They certainly would be showing little respect for one life ..their own!. The other theological argument relating to whether a clone could actually have a soul is not vacuous but certainly will mean that the Church will eventually have to redefine it doctrinal wording relating to the actual situation when God gives a soul to a body. However, that can wait for another day.

Plastic Surgery Statistics

The growth in cosmetic plastic surgery is not limited to the shores of the UK. People all over the world choose this type of surgery to amend facial or body features about themselves. Long gone are the days when one was forced to accept there birth features for better or for worse. Nowadays plastic surgery transplants are also being carried out on young people.

Plastic surgery of course is not an operation that should be taken light heartedly. The pleasure of seeing ones body change into something more desirable or to your own liking, does not come without its costs and body discomfort during the healing process. It is therefore paramount that any such surgery is only taken out after thorough consideration. Where possible it is also wise to accept advice from those close to you, as there maybe alternative methods that could work out just as effectively. For example in the instance surgery is sought to help reduce weight a proper diet that is followed could just as well do the trick without the financial costs involved in surgery. Also do not forget plastic surgery does require aftercare and depending on the type of plastic surgery you intent carrying out, this could be a number of months.

So how many people actually carry out plastic surgery each year and what type of surgery do they undertake?

Well in 2006 over 11.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the United States of America alone, a 447 per cent increase in the amount of plastic surgery operations carried out in 1997.The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's cosmetic surgery statistics are the most comprehensive collection of data available on the number of cosmetic surgical and no surgical procedures performed in the United States

Below is a breakdown of the 11.5 million plastic surgery operations carried out.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

The top five most popular surgical procedures in 2006 include:

· Liposuction - 403,684

· Breast augmentation - 383,886

· Eyelid surgery - 209,999

· Abdominoplasty - 172,457

· Breast Reduction - 145,822

Cosmetic Non-Surgical Procedures

· Over 8 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, which require no surgery, were performed in 2006.

· The top five most popular non-surgical procedures in 2006 include:

· Botox - 3.1 million

· Hyaluronic Acid (Hylaform, Restylane) - 1.5 million

· Laser hair removal - 1.4 million

· Microdermabrasion - 993,071

· Laser Skin Resurfacing - 556,172

Non-Cosmetic Plastic Surgeries

· In 2006 over five million reconstructive surgeries were performed.

· The top five reconstructive plastic surgeries in 2006

· Tumor Removal - 3.9 million

· Laceration Repair - 312,844

· Scar Revision - 164,684

· Hand Surgery - 155,810

· Breast Reduction - 104,455

Ethnicity

· People of color accounted for approximately 23 percent of cosmetic procedures in 2006.

· Hispanics - 8% in 2006. The top three requested procedures for Hispanics in 2006:

· Breast Augmentation

· Nose Reshaping

· Liposuction

African-Americans - 7% of African-Americans got procedures in 2006; The top three requested procedures for African-Americans in 2006 were, nose reshaping, liposuction and breast reduction

Asian-Americans - 6% of Asians got procedures in 2006; the top three requested procedures for Asian-Americans in 2006 were nose reshaping, breast Augmentation, eyelid Surgery

According to cosmetic surgery statistics, a growing number of the cosmetic surgeons practicing today are unqualified for the procedures that they perform. Routine cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are sometimes messed up, with horrifying results. Just imagine your friend going in for a breast reduction or a tummy tuck, and never coming out alive. It is important to research any major decision that you are making, but cosmetic surgery statistics are unusually important.

Plastic surgery statistics

1. Lipoplasty (Liposuction) with 455,489 procedures performed, down five percent from last year. Interestingly, 21% of these procedures were ultrasound-assisted Lipoplasty (UAL)

2. Breast Augmentation with 364,610 procedures up nine percent from 2004. For the first time, we categorized saline vs. silicone augmentation. 83.4 percent of respondents used the saline device, 16.6 percent the silicone implant.

3. Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) came in third with 231,467 procedures down 20 percent from 2004

4. Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) is the forth most common procedure with 200,924 procedures performed, an increase of 21 percent over 2004

5. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) reported 169,314 procedures, up 12 percent from 2004.

Location and Fees

The above clearly shows plastic surgery is not something that is limited to the rich and famous. Where actually was all this plastic surgery carried out. Well again statistics showover forty-eight percent (48.3 percent) of cosmetic procedures in 2005 were performed in office-based facilities; 27.9 percent in freestanding surgicenters; and 23.8 percent in hospitals. Americans spent just under $12.4 billion on cosmetic procedures; $8.2 billion was for surgical procedures, and $4.2 billion was for nonsurgical procedures.

In conclusion, if you are considering a surgical or non-surgical procedure it is important that you consider your reasons for wanting the procedure, your expectations of the results the procedure may bring, as well as making sure that you have all the information you need to make a properly informed decision about whether to go ahead. As can be seen from the chart above, cosmetic plastic surgery can be expensive financially, let alone the recuperation time needed.