Trends in Cosmetic Surgery 2008 - Separating Fact From Myth

Now that 2008 is in the books, it would be interesting to look at the trends and statistics in cosmetic surgery and see what has changed...or what is the same. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until the summer when the surveys and statistics for last year are available. However, the numbers from 2007 have been in since last summer and a review of these and the impact from the economic downturn in the U.S. can make for some predictions as to what happened in cosmetic surgery in 2008.

According to the 2007 statistics on cosmetic plastic surgery from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, roughly 12 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in the U.S. with expenditures of over $13 billion. I suspect we will see in 2008 that these numbers are roughly the same and perhaps even down a bit. The last quarter of the year saw a dramatic dwindling of patients undergoing procedures although this may have been tempered by the peak of the 'holiday cosmetic season' when many plastic surgeons post their highest monthly averages in December due to being being off work and those patients having procedures may have already saved or budgeted for them at that point. While 2007 saw an 8% increase in procedures compared to 2006, 2008 will likely show zero growth.

Cosmetic surgery accounted for 2/3rds ($8 billion) of the expenditures compared to non-surgical procedures (e.g., Botox) but these dollar figures highly skew the number of procedures performed. Because each surgery costs considering more than any non-surgical procedure (often 10 - 20 times more), cosmetic surgical procedures pale in comparison to non-surgical procedures in terms of numbers, roughly 1.5 million (surgery) to over 10 million (non-surgery) procedures. This dramatic trend of increasing non-surgical procedures will likely continue to be seen from 2008, representing by far the largest growth area of cosmetic procedures.

The top five surgical procedures in 2007 were liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and breast reduction. (although breast reduction should really be considered a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure as the vast majority are paid for by health insurance) Facelift or rhinoplasty (nose job) should really displace breast reduction from this list. The top five non-surgical procedures in 2007 were Botox, injectable fillers, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, and light and laser treatments. The popularity of these surgical and non-surgical procedures in 2008 will not change and the types and order of popularity should not change.

Women still account for the vast majority (91%) of cosmetic patients in 2007 and should remain around the same number, making decreasing to 90% in 2008. While it is true that more men than ever are having cosmetic procedures, calling it as jumping on the bandwagon, is a bit overstated. In 2007 men having cosmetic procedures, particularly non-surgical, increased significantly. (up 20%) However I would wager that a large amount of this increase was for one non-surgical cosmetic procedure only...laser hair removal. Go to any facility that has a high volume laser hair removal business and you will find that nearly half of their patients are men...for back hair removal. This one procedure accounts for much of the male cosmetic procedure trend. In 2008 this upward male trend for cosmetic procedures will likely continue, mainly in the non-surgical procedures.

In 2007 the age range with the most cosmetic procedures was 35 to 50, accounting for nearly half of all cosmetic procedures. It is this age range, and the non-surgical procedures that is done in this group, which has accounted for much of the large increase in cosmetic procedures done in the past 10 years. Liposuction and Botox remains the most popular procedures in this age group. The next age range (51 - 64) accounted for a quarter of the procedures (eyelid surgery headed the most common surgical procedure to no surprise) while senior citizens (age 65 or older) had a mere 5 percent. (seniors don't spend a lot of money on cosmetic procedures due to retirement and fixed incomes) The age range of 19 to 34 rivals the senior group in number of procedures but breast augmentation and laser hair removal dominate the procedures. It is this age range that I suspect will see some drop in 2008 as they are one of the most cost sensitive groups due to their student status and early work force entry) Contrary to many reports of a boom in teenage plastic surgery, teens accounts for only 2% of the number of cosmetic procedures with ear surgery (otoplasty) and laser hair removal being the most popular procedures. Their number hardly represents a boom and that perception is largely media hype. In 2008, these age ranges will likely not have shifted at all as the ability to afford procedures relative to other household expenses is what drives cosmetic procedures for the vast majority of people.

The Many Wonders Of Liposuction

Nowadays cosmetic procedures are trusted to give individuals more sculpted and enhanced appearances. For many people, making these physical transformations can lead to higher levels of confidence and self-esteem. With some forms of plastic surgery, undesirable fat and flabbiness can be removed. As a result, the body can become flatter and firmer. This process is called liposuction. So many people work extremely hard to try and get rid of fat naturally. When it doesn't work, there is nothing wrong with getting a little extra help from a plastic surgeon. The procedure is approved and safe when performed by the most skilled and experienced professionals.

The process of liposuction is actually much simpler than you might believe. This beautifying procedure involves having excess fat in the body suctioned out in a safe and effective way. The wonders of technology allow for surgeons to use lasers in the process. The lasers can break up the fat cells and make the suctioning process very easy. Once the cells are dissolved, getting rid of fat can be a piece of cake. This procedure can be performed on any part of the body that contains extra fat that an individual wants to get rid of. Common target areas in patients include the stomach and buttocks.

You may be wondering what makes liposuction so much better than other forms of fat removal. It's quite obvious. This procedure is quicker and more effective. Right now there are millions of Americans on a mission to get rid of fat and transition into firmer more sculpted bodies. Besides, rolls and mounds of excess fat on the body are considered unattractive. People with this fat often feel undesirable and strive to see a more beautified version of themselves. But the journey to get there can be quite tough. Plastic surgery can prove to be much more rewarding. Having fat suctioned from the body only takes a day to complete, even though recovery takes days. For many people, diet and exercise is simply not enough to blast that unwanted fat away in a speedy amount of time. A quick procedure can be the perfect solution to this. It is a more reasonable way to achieve the desired body shape.

Of course surgery alone cannot keep the fat away. But liposuction can be a great motivator to keep the firm sculpted look that it provides. If you are considering this option, there is no need to have doubts. Simply have a look at a gallery of patients who have undergone this safe procedure. Before and after photos can answer all your questions. The end result will not only be a more fabulous body. You can also have greater self-appreciation after seeing the new you. Imagine not having to hide your body due to flabby flaws. You can wear a swimsuit or a strapless dress without feeling ashamed of extra rolls hanging out! And better news is that you don't have to wait forever to see the fat vanish. Liposuction can have your body smoother and sexier in no time.

What is Gum Lift?

Gingivectomy, commonly referred to as the gum lift is being seen as a process in the area of cosmetic dentistry where in the gums are graved and raised to provide make the teeth look longer and the gum line even. This procedure involves working with the underlying tissues and bones and aims at rendering symmetrical teeth to make the individual's smile look aesthetically appealing and attractive. This process, also called as 'crown lengthening' aims at covering up the 'gummy' smile of the individual.

Is a Gum Lift Really Necessary?

Removal of gingival tissue has become a cosmetic dentistry procedure since 2002. However, this dental procedure can be undertaken when:

• The gums do not move back naturally when a new tooth emerges


• The lip is unusually high such that the gum line becomes clearly visible


• There are problems: periodontitis, dryness and tooth decay beyond a certain extent can necessitate the procedure.


• There is irritation due to the braces present


• There is abnormal wear and tear of the teeth which in turn makes the normal gum line look abnormal.

People who have tainted or infected teeth where the damage has gone past the gum line prove to be the ideal candidates for gum lift. Yet another group of people who possess a gummy smile and intend having a more aesthetically pleasing smile can also become the suitable candidates for this procedure.

Gum lift can be performed as a cosmetic procedure or can be performed in parallel with other cosmetic dental procedures like veneer positioning.

Gum Lift Procedure: Brief Overview

Gum lift procedure typically starts with numbing the gums. This is usually followed by the creation of incisions on the gums. These incisions further help in relocating the gums from their natural position. Following this, the dentist reshapes the tissues surrounding the gum and the underlying bones so as to make it look aesthetically pleasing. Placement of stitches to cover up the incisions follows and this is deemed to be the last step of the gum life procedure. Laser based gum lifting is the trend that is in vogue today.

Post-Gum-Lift Care Instructions

Once the procedure is completed, it is imperative to take special care of the gums during the healing stage. First and foremost, it is important to adhere to the post-treatment instructions even at home. Flossing, brushing and cleaning the teeth and periodical checkups are a must after taking up this procedure. Look out for periodontal disease symptoms and proactively consult your dentist whenever a need arises. Cut down the usage of tobacco since tobacco is likely to interfere with the healing process that follows the gum lift procedure.

A Close Look at Plastic Surgery History

People have sought to improve themselves on the inside and out for as long as mankind has existed, and plastic surgery is one of the means that we have developed to do so in the modern age. People get plastic surgery to fix birth defects, scars, deformities, burns and various physical marks from accidents. Other people get this to boost their self-confidence and achieve the kind of look they've always dreamed of. Some people also get surgery to augment the signs of aging, which is especially important in a culture that values youth as well as beauty. And while the procedures we most commonly associate with it are inventions of the modern age, it may surprise you to hear that people have been giving and receiving plastic surgery for thousands of years.

The earliest known record of a procedure resembling plastic surgery is a written document dating back approximately 4,000 years that describes a medical treatment for facial injuries. More advanced techniques can even be traced as far back as 800 BC, when doctors in India were using face grafts to reconstruct people's faces and bodies after accidents and injuries. After these early endeavors of ancient civilizations, however, developments in plastic surgery remained stagnant until sometime in the 19th century, when scientists and medical doctors starting forging ahead in this field.

The first famous American plastic surgeon to make noteworthy advancements in the field was Dr. John Peter Mettauer, who performed the first operation to correct a cleft palate in the United States in 1827. Since the field was still so new, he even had to design his own instruments. After that, plastic surgery began slowly developing in the Western world, but it wasn't until World War I that it really started to take off. With so many soldiers returning with gruesome injuries, the demand for innovations in it was higher than ever.

Just as brave surgeons were advancing the field of reconstructive surgery in the 19th and 20th centuries, other creative surgeons were also advancing the possibilities of aesthetic surgical procedures. One famous American plastic surgeon, John Orlando Roe, began practicing in the 19th century and made a huge impact on the medical community and the lives of his patients. He asserted that plastic surgery could alleviate the self-consciousness and embarrassment that kept people from sharing their talent with the world, an attitude that many others share today.

Types Of Laser Surgery

A laser is a high-energy beam of light that can selectively transfer energy into tissue to treat the skin. Many surgical procedures are performed using lasers. General surgeons use a variety of laser wavelengths and laser delivery systems to cut, coagulate, vaporize or remove tissue. Some common surgical procedures use includes breast surgery, removal of the gallbladder, hernia repair, bowel resection, hemorrhoidectomy, solid organ surgery and treatment of pilonidal cyst. The advantages of using lasers are reduction of blood loss, decrease in postoperative discomfort, reduction of wound infection, decrease in spreading of certain cancers and better wound healing. Nowadays laser surgery is widely used in different areas of specialization such as dermatology, dentistry, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, podiatry, urology and in the treatment of certain cancers.

In the field of skin care, lasers have proven to be big blessing. Lasers can be used to reduce wrinkles around the lips or eyes and sometimes the entire face. The laser softens fine wrinkles and removes certain blemishes on the face. Certain types of birthmarks respond remarkably well to laser treatment. The laser effects a reduction in the size of abnormal blood vessels that cause these birthmarks. This in turn promotes a lightening in the color of the birthmark. Skin growths, facial 'spider veins,' warts, and some tattoos can also be removed by laser surgery. Another procedure that uses lasers is hair transplant. Lasers are used to prepare the area where the hair transplants will be placed.

The most common laser treatments used in dental surgery are carbon dioxides. This is used commonly for surgery of the gingival or gum tissues. Treatment of small cavities is done with the help of lasers that drill into the enamel without much noise or vibration.

Microsurgical lasers are used for precision cutting. They make incisions into the brain and spinal cord. Lasers are used frequently in vaporization and coagulation of tumors, especially those that are deep within the brain and underneath the brain. Lasers have made a huge difference in the field of medical science, especially in the branch of surgery.

Can I Afford Plastic Surgery?

With the struggling economy, money is tight these days. People wonder if they can afford plastic surgery. Below we'll outline the basic costs, so you can have a better idea of the expenses.

The good news is there are many more minimally invasive procedures. Therefore, if you do no have the funds to finance an expensive operation, you can still enhance your look. Much more people are electing to have less invasive procedures performed. According to the American Society of Plastics Surgeons (ASP), in 2007, 5.5 million people had non surgical procedures performed and 1.9 million had surgical procedures.

The face is a very important asset to many people, and they yearn to keep it looking youthful. When people think of plastic surgery, the facelift is the classic procedure. It has been around for a long time, and many celebrities have had it done. Its medical name is a rhytidectomy and fees are about five thousand for the procedure. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), forehead lift (brow life) and nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) all cost between three and four thousand. Ear surgery (otoplasy) and chin augmentation are between three and two thousand dollars.

Surgery is not for everyone though. There are many non-surgical procedures that can also give you fresh look. While laser skin resurfacing and fat grafting cost a couple thousand dollars. Chemical peels, calcium Hydroxylapatite, Hyluronic Acid, Botox, and Microdermabrasion are all under a thousand dollars.

In addition, to the face many people look to restore their body's youthful appearance. Tummy tucks are the most expensive surgery costing five thousand. Butt implants, butt lifts, and thigh lifts are range between four and five thousand. Breast augmentation is a little less than four thousand on average, and liposuction is about three thousand dollars.

Non-surgical body procedures are much less expensive. Laser hair removal costs on average five hundred dollars per session. However, multiple sessions are necessary. Each case is unique, so it is important to consult your doctor about your predicted cost. Laser treatment for varicose veins in the legs is about four hundred dollars per treatment. To reduce cellulite, expect to pay two hundred dollars.

All of the above prices are only national averages, so you cost pay be more or less depending upon your area and doctor. If you would like to know more about plastic surgery and the associated costs, visit http://www.dr-apo.com today.

Plastic Surgery - How it Has Evolved Over the Ages

Plastic surgery is a field of medicine that has a long and interesting history. We tend to think of cosmetic procedures as part of the technological age, but in truth, people have been having surgeries to alter the way that they look for centuries. Some of the earlier methods would seem strange and often frightening to us today. Some of what they're hoping to be able to achieve in the future as far as cosmetic processes seem like something out of science fiction. This field of medicine can be fascinating, for sure.

Methods and Practices in Earlier Years: This type of operation in some form or the other has been being performed for thousands of years. In ancient Europe and Asia, there is proof that things such as skin grafts were being performed. More than likely, the success rate of ancient cosmetic procedures was dependent on a lot of factors, not the least of which would have been luck.

In the 19th century, when more doctors knew how to administer effective anesthesia, they broadened their cosmetic procedure horizons. Not only did reconstructive surgery become more common, especially for those who suffered physical damage from war injuries, but cosmetic procedures such as face lifts started to be performed more often. Back then, though, there was still quite a bit of stigma attached to cosmetic methods for vanity reasons.

Changes over Time: Over time, the plastic surgery industry blossomed, especially in the mid to late 20th century. More cosmetic procedures were developed and improved upon, such as face lifts, breast augmentation, skin grafts and rhinoplasty. Slowly but surely, elective cosmetic procedures simply for improving normal looks started becoming almost as common as surgeries to correct damage or deformities.

Liposuction became a popular way to get rid of fat in specific places, and targeted surgeries such as eye-lifts and chin implants were being performed on many people instead of general face lifts. Today, more cosmetic surgeries are performed for reasons of vanity than to correct damage or defect, and the stigma is nowhere near what it used to be.

What the Future Holds: The future of plastic surgery will probably have a lot to do with manipulating stem cells. Scientists and medical researchers predict that as stem cell research continues, cosmetic methods will become less invasive, and there will come a time when many methods won't involve the knife at all, but simple injections. For some cuts will be drastically reduced. Scientists hope to be able to actually grow human organs in the futures, making skin grafts much safer for patients, since the new skin would be grown from the patients own cells.

Plastic surgery has been a steadily growing field of medicine for many years, and that growth doesn't look like it will be stopping any time soon. The future holds some exciting things and even today what can be done is nothing short of amazing.

Cosmetic Dentistry Nyc Will Surely Help You To Regain That Shiny Smile

Having perfect and healthy teeth is the demand of everyone these days. The reason is that people are turning towards a healthier lifestyle and are willing to put extra efforts to look all the more beautiful with cosmetic dentistry. A smile is the best medicine that can heal all ailments and this has made it mandatory for patients suffering from dental defects, to go for cosmetic dentistry procedures. Whether you happen to stay in NYC or visit this place, your dental defects can be easily cured with the help of cosmetic dentistry. After all, a smile is one of the most precious things that one can possess and cosmetic dentistry is meant to enhance it.

There are numerous treatments that form a part of the cosmetic dentistry procedures. Invisalign braces, teeth whitening process, clear braces and tooth contouring are some of the healing processes that are used to cure different dental ailments. As far as the teeth whitening treatment is concerned, bleach used in this process contains particular amount of peroxide components. These peroxide components play a very important role in giving you the level of shine on your teeth. The quantity of peroxide used in this treatment depends on the level of stains that have to be whitened. Cosmetic dentistry enables a dentist to use the peroxide components according to the condition of stains on patient's teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry has been preferred by many individuals who develop problems such as misshaped, misaligned, broken or stained teeth. The dentists generally perform the treatment after having complete consultation with the patient. Moreover, consultation session prior to the commencement of procedure is mandatory. It is because the dentist will be able to know the level of your problem and will carry out the treatment according to that only. The main aim of a qualified and experienced dentist is to attain the satisfaction level for patients, so that they are able to get rid off from the problem completely.

Porcelain veneers are another form of cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps the patients in New York or any other state to solve their dental problems. They are very thin wafer like substances that can be applied to cure chipped, broken and misaligned teeth. Porcelain veneers are used so finely that one cannot figure out that any type of artificial covering is present on the teeth. In fact, results depend on the ability and experience of the cosmetic dentist. Another advantage of porcelain veneers is that you will not feel any kind of heaviness at all on your teeth, due to the addition of the new layer.

Among other treatments included in cosmetic dentistry, tooth contouring and Invisalign braces are also included. Tooth contouring is a particular treatment in that can be used to treat chipped or worn edges. Firstly, in this cosmetic dentistry process, use of polishing instrument is made to take out small amounts of surface enamel of the teeth to compensate faults. This is followed by smoothing and polishing of all the surrounding teeth. On the other hand, Invisalign is a special treatment that helps the patients to cure their teeth alignment without having to wear those metal braces. Before its application, cosmetic dentist generally take dental impressions, x-rays and photographs of your teeth.

Plastic Surgery Marketing: Top Physician Marketing Ideas

When thinking of marketing plastic surgery, the first step needed is establishing the target audience and marketing the practice. Making your practice or brand type known is a good way of telling the public what you are all about.

Physician marketing ideas should thus be geared towards branding the practice and enabling the target patients know what is being presented to them. Ultimately, physicians may target their fellow physicians or simply patients for referrals. This can be achieved by through marketing and advertising efforts where audience can easily identify what is being presented to them.

Referrals - Referrals from other doctors can occur when you partner with other physicians offering a different kind of surgery. For instance, a physician dealing in general health care can always offer referrals when their patients need specialty surgery that they do not offer. For your plastic surgery marketing efforts, it will not hurt when you mention particular physician's services in some of your offline or online advertisements.

Use of ads - If you intend to reach patients in your local, advertising using the most preferred techniques that will not be missed by patients within your locality can be done using offline methods like billboards, newspapers or magazines. Also, online plastic surgery marketing on the same can be done to promote your practice by highlighting special features about your services. Professionals offering medical marketing should design online advertising strategies. The adverts can be done through PPC, link building, social media, online listings, physician directories, article marketing and through other forms of online marketing.

Use social media websites like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter to reach a wider audience. On your page, old and new patients can connect. Also, you will be able to connect with all your patients individually, and even advertise some specials on your page. Links on such pages can easily direct your target audience to your home page. Social websites are very effective for networking given that many people use these network sites to stay connected with their loved ones. Many professionals also use these sites to market their products and services - which means you can effectively do plastic surgery marketing using social media and witness an increase in business.

Attending tradeshows to market your practice and yourself will also help patients find out about you and your services. During these shows, give out information about your past work to allow patients envision what they can expect from your services. Use of other offline marketing materials like fact sheets, brochures, vouchers, well designed business cards will also help. Ensure that the details include your contact details like URL and URL.

Basically, there are many proven methods for plastic surgery marketing that you can use. Besides, your marketing firm will give you all the best tips you will need to make your physician marketing ideas become a reality and fetch you the kind of business you are looking for. If you are a specialist surgeon, go for a firm that can meet your specialty needs.

Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Plastic Surgeon?

Being a plastic surgeon requires more than just having a strong desire to transform and redesign the way someone looks. There is a lot of schooling and hard work that is required before anyone can even begin to think about the kind of career they want to pursue as a cosmetic surgery specialist. If you have dreams and aspirations to become a surgeon, you are going to have to take a journey into the world of higher education.

For many, the dream doesn't begin to take shape until the last year of high school or the first year of college. For others, the dream takes hold much later, usually during the sophomore and junior year of college. No matter when the dream of becoming a plastic surgeon starts calling your name, the way to the starting line is still the same.

After you have successfully completed high school and earned either a diploma or a GED, you have will want to find a good college to start your prerequisites at. Many students would simply choose to be a pre medical studies or pre-professional studies major for the first two years of university life. You can of course choose other majors to specialize in before you start your medical career, however you will need to make sure that you are incorporating certain science, math and chemistry classes into the rotation as well. During these two years, the grades you earn and extracurricular activities you participate in can make you a very favorable candidate for medical school.

Medical school is very competitive and very hard to get into. You are competing with students from all over the world and from many different walks of life. Applying and getting accepted into medical school so you can begin to learn the basics of medicine before you start your plastic surgeon education is considered a challenging process. You have to take and score very well on the MCAT, very well and thought provoking application essays and have very good grades in order for the Medical School Review Boards to even consider your application. If they determine that your application is something that stands out from the thousands they have looked over, they will invite you to have an interview.

Once you have successfully passed your interview and been offered a spot in matriculation, you will spend the next four years completing medical school and becoming a licensed medical doctor.

Once you have obtained your MD degree, you can now branch off into the specialty of medicine you wish; in this case it is the field of plastic surgery. To become a plastic surgeon, in addition to all of the schooling you have completed thus far, you will have to complete three years in a medical residency in general practice and then three years residency as a plastic surgeon. In some cases you can often complete your residency requirements within five to seven years.

Sea Salt For Beauty and Slimming

Sea salt, although is widely used in cosmetic, gourmet and as bath salts, you would probably be amazed that it has also found its way into beauty products.

Actually, it's not surprising if it does.

Sea salt, unlike table salt which we normally use for cooking, is obtained by evaporating sea water.

Since it's extracted naturally, it has tremendous benefits on your skin. Therefore, it is now been used as a beauty agent as well.

Now, how does sea salt works on your skin?

As An Antiseptic

Firstly, sea salt can act as an antiseptic. It kills germs very effectively.

Thus, if you have wound, applying it helps your wound heal much faster.

Wait a minute!

Adding salt to the wound?

Yes, it maybe a little bit painful at first, but the fact is - your wound will heal faster, and it will leave no wound marks.

So, what bad is there to add salt to the wound, right?

High Mineral Content And Multiple Functions...

Secondly, sea salt contains high concentration of potassium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium and 92 other essential minerals.

These minerals help increasing your metabolism rate, cleanse your skin deeply, and act as anti-inflammation and antiseptic agents.

Proksch E, Nissen HP, Bremgartner M, and Urquhart C from the University of Kiel's Department of Dermatology in Germany have examined volunteers who bathed in the sea salt solution and found them to have improved skin barrier function and reduced skin roughness and inflammation.

Therefore, they concluded that there is positive benefits of bathing in the sea salt solution mainly due to its high magnesium content.

As such, using it for your skin is likely to make your skin healthier, smoother and reduce inflammation.

It helps to reduce the size of the skin pores; removes oily skin, pigmentation, dead skins by boosting the function of your sweat glands and sebaceous glands.

These two gland systems function to help you remove aged and dead skins from your body, enabling the new skin to surface and breathe.

Imagine to show the world your new skin at anytime you want to...

Removes Fat Effectively!

Thirdly sea salt is known to also remove fat!

Although much researches are still needed to prove this, we have tested applying it in tummy areas; areas underneath the arm; hip areas etc, and found that it does help to inch down the size in matter of days.

This is not a surprise, since applying it on your skin also increases your metabolism rate. Increased metabolism rate means more fat will be burn in the process.

On top of that, sea salt has similar molecular structure as our blood cells, and when it is applied on your skin, it will be easily absorbed into the blood system and lymph through the skin.

It will then help to remove old cells, toxic and fat from the blood system and lymph, which leads to beauty effect as well.

For Beauty And Slimming

This may be new, but it is proven to have great benefits on your skin and slimming.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you include sea salt blend in your beauty product collection. More so if you want to throw off some of those excessive fat from your body.

Is PIGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) Another Form of Abortion?

With recent advances in genetics, there are several inherited disorders which can now be diagnosed at a molecular level. For couples who are carriers or affected by any of these conditions and are at high risk for transmitting it to their offspring, it is currently possible to detect the disorder during pregnancy. This is done by one of two approaches: amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (which involves taking a small sample of the placenta at an early stage). However the couples have the dilemma of whether or not to terminate the pregnancy if the genetic abnormality is present. In some cases this may also not be a viable option for religious or moral reasons. An alternative would then be to diagnose the condition in embryos before the pregnancy is established. Only the unaffected embryos would then be transferred to the uterus. This technique is referred to as preimplantation genetic diagnosis and would obviate the need for screening during a pregnancy and hence prevent the physical and psychological trauma associated with possible termination.

Research towards developing techniques for early genetic diagnosis in humans were initiated in the UK in the late 1980s (Handyside et al, 89, Lancet.347. and Dokras et al, 90, Hum Reprod, 5.821.). In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques are used to obtain ova (eggs) from the mother which are then fertilized in the laboratory with sperm obtained from the father. One or more cells are then removed from the developing embryo 2 to 4 days after fertilization. This highly sophisticated technique called micromanipulation does not adversely affect further development of the embryo. The cells removed are then used for analysis, and the results can be obtained within 12-24 hours. The embryos without the genetic defects are then transferred into the uterine cavity to develop into a normal pregnancy. Almost all genetically inherited conditions that are diagnosed in the prenatal period can also be detected in the preimplantation period. At the 8 cell stage, each cell of the embryo is still totipotent (each cell has the capability of forming an entire new organism). Thus, one cell can be removed for genetic testing without altering the development of the rest of the organism.Diseases which have a high risk of transmission (25-50%) and are usually associated with significant morbidity and mortality can be screened for by this technique. The first report of the successful application of this technique came from the Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK which currently is the centre with the highest number of births following preimplantation diagnosis

Now the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has given permission to Leeds parents, Shahana and Raj Hashmi, parents of a boy from Leeds who suffers from a potentially fatal genetic disorder that they can use IVF to create a sibling whose cells could cure him. This effectively means that doctors can use the procedure to ensure their next child can provide their son Zain with a viable bone marrow transplant. The process requires doctors to artificially inseminate eggs from Hashmi's parents, then select one embryo that matches his blood type that can produce the antigens needed to fight the disease. Embryos that did not match the correct type would most likely be destroyed.

Doctors say that the odds of success for this procedure are about one in two, but moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the procedure have meant that the case involves some very complex issues. Effectively, the Hashmi family want to create a child who would be a suitable donor for Zain, who suffers from thalassaemia - a rare blood disorder. This decision comes after the authority decided in principle in December to approve PGD in cases of serious genetic disease, but that all applications by clinics to undertake treatment should continue to be decided on a case-by-case basis only after rigorous examination of the ethical and medical implications of the treatment and the welfare of the children. The case is similar to that of Adam Nash, an American boy conceived in order to provide transplanted tissues to his ailing sister. The procedure raises serious concerns about the ability to identify the gene defect and using a child as a commodity. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in the uk also recently give permission to Dr Taranissi at the Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre in London by to use the technique.

When an embryo becomes a person with "human rights" is probably the most controversial debate of our time. It is an issue that has perplexed the wisest philosophers and the average citizen. In Ireland. although our moral attitudes are based on deeply held religious and ethical beliefs, it is becoming difficult to obtain consensus on almost any issue although public policy must ultimately represent an effort to arrive at a reasonable accommodation to differing interests. Despite the Irish peculiarities regarding the wording of the last amendment to our constitution, when human rights and protectability commence should not become an all-or-nothing matter. Some people say prior to implantation that the embryo does not have human form or genetic uniqueness, as it is a growing collection of cells which can divide into two and naturally produce identical twins, it is unable to survive outside of the womb, does not have any organ structures including even a primitive brain and it has no degree cognitive development. They also say that after conception following intercourse some 60 percent of human embryos are discarded by nature at this stage of development, often even before the mother ever realises that she was pregnant. Hence it would be difficult for society to ascribe "rights" to something that has such a high natural mortality. Others feel that the creation, destruction or manipulation of human embryos by any method for any purpose, can never be justified.

Whatever your personal opinion, there is little doubt that the technique should greatly increase the chances of predicting which embryos are likely to result in a successful birth with much greater accuracy and effectively this technique is a big step forward for IVF as it means that doctors can now weed out problem embryos before a woman becomes pregnant. The UK legislation means that problem embryos in certain circumstances can now be discarded, and only those with a good chance of success implanted into the woman's womb. However, this system is far from perfect, and up to 50% of embryos that look normal under a microscope in fact contain defects in their genetic material.

Personally, I believe that in Ireland we need a panel consisting of bioethicists, sociologists, physicians, basic scientists and professionals in public policy to re-examine the sensitive issues surrounding reproductive medicine and embryo research, and then make recommendations about the areas of medicine and science on which the Government should legislate. I also personally believe that the human embryo is precious and deserving of our profound respect because of its enormous potential and both its existence and status shold rest in the moral belief of the couple from whom it came.

Cosmetic Dentistry Industry Reaches New Boom

Everyone wants to have a wide and a perfect smile. Therefore, they do everything that is possible to acquire it. Keeping your teeth white requires regular cleaning of it but over a period, your teeth can discolor. Most of the people opt for teeth whitening to enhance their looks. This is one of the rapidly growing areas of dental care.

To meet this growing requirement of white teeth, there are many effective and simple cosmetic teeth whitening products and procedures available in the market. These range from opalescence whitening gel to teeth whitening toothpastes. Cosmetic teeth whitening are done in two ways, it can be used at home and this kind of teeth whitening can also be done at a dentist's clinic.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry whitening has become one of the most successful and flourishing industry in a decade. Eventually, goal of Americans appear to be the cosmetic augmentation that offers them a sparkling smile. There are wide range of procedures in cosmetic dentistry, each having its own pros and cons. Patients get their smile back in no more than two to three visits to their dentist. Not only patients get their smile back but also with advanced care procedures offered by the dentists today, all of it is effective and pain free.

The risks and complications linked with the cosmetic dentistry whitening procedure are few. Expenses of cosmetic dentistry whitening procedures vary from $ 300 to $ 500, depending upon the skills of the dentist. Cost of the cosmetic dentistry is higher than the general dentistry because of the superior quality of services provided and because of the fact that they are not included under dental insurance. Materials used in the cosmetic dentistry process are porcelain inlays, porcelain veneers and onlays including other non-metal materials are more costly as compared to other materials. However, these materials are stronger, safer and long lasting.

Cosmetic dentists use unique procedures from teeth whitening to a set of crowns, orthodontics, veneers and implants. According to the doctors, present day individuals prefer teeth whitening by dentists rather than taking the whitening products at home.

Tooth whitening dentistry is an effective method of lightning the natural color of your teeth without causing any harm to the natural tooth enamel. Tooth whitening does not change the color of your teeth completely it only lightens the current shade. Tooth bleaching, known as tooth whitening is one of the most common procedures used not only in the general dentistry but also in the cosmetic dentistry.

In tooth bleaching procedure, oxidizing agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide lightens the shade of the tooth. Bleach is effective only with yellow colored teeth; it is least effective on the teeth having white spots or infected gums.

Cutting a long story short, in the past few years' cosmetic dentistry industry has grown rapidly and achieved a new dimension. This is because of its ever-rising demand for a confident and a perfect smile.

What Are The Different Dental Procedures Cosmetic Dentists Can Help You With

Cosmetic dentists are one of the most sought after dental professionals. Nowadays most of you desire to have a perfect set of dentures, without any defect, giving you a beautiful smile. A set of bright shining teeth will add confidence and charm to your personality when you smile and talk to your friends and acquaintances.

You may want to reform crooked teeth, or a broken tooth. Your teeth may suffer damage due to some injury or may be malformed from birth. Cosmetic dentists can help you in the treatment of all such problems. The most reputable cosmetic dentists are capable of providing services which will certainly improve the appearance of your teeth. Thus, you can get your discolored, chipped or damaged teeth treated and restore a bright smile.

What are the various cosmetic dental procedures which are used to give your teeth a new like shine? What are the service you can avail from your cosmetic dental surgeon? Below is a list of different cosmetic procedures which your dental care professional will use on you, depending on your oral health and dental needs and requirements:

* Bonding is a method used to bridge any gap in between your teeth. It is also used on discolored teeth to change it to its natural color. Thus, if you are suffering because of a chipped or fractured tooth, or even if you have teeth discoloration or decay, you can opt for bonding, which will effectively cure your condition.

* Missing teeth can be replaced using dental implants. These implants are designed by experts to give you the feel of natural dentures. You will not face any discomfort when you use dental implants to replace lost teeth or tooth.

* Whitening your teeth or even bleaching them is another common cosmetic dental service most people avail. Your teeth may get discolored due to a number of reasons, which include excessive use of caffeine, tobacco or even improper oral hygiene. Stains caused due to these substances can be removed using this method, ensuring you get whiter teeth.

* Reshaping and contouring is used to fix chipped or crooked teeth. You may have one tooth overlapping the other. This can also be treated with the help of this method.

* Crowns are used to restore tooth decay, or even broken or cracked tooth. It covers the tooth, consequently protecting it from further damage.

Thus, these are some of the many techniques which are available to improve the appearance of your teeth. However, you can expect the right as well as best results only if you choose a reliable and expert cosmetic dentist.

Plastic Surgeons Aim to Increase Confidence of Their Patients

Everyone knows that plastic surgeons have a very challenging and demanding job. Not only are they responsible for reconstructing the body to meet the desires of their patients, they also have the power to increase the self confidence of their patients. Since they have so much power, they provide society with a very valuable service that would be sorely missed if the world of cosmetic surgery suddenly disappeared.

Since there are so many different disciplines in the world of cosmetic and plastic surgery, anyone that is need of a professional to sculpt a particular part of their body can seek out the expertise of professionals that specialize in that one area. This minimizes the amount of error that could occur and also increases overall patient trust and satisfaction. There aren't that many patients that would feel comfortable seeing a doctor that was able to perform every single type of cosmetic surgery. The average surgery times vary greatly and some are quite long, what if the professional you decided to see was overworked and exhausted from performing so many different and time consuming procedures? You wouldn't like your results very much and may end up wishing you went elsewhere where the risk may still be the same.

That is why there are different plastic surgeons for each specialty. This makes it easier for surgeries to be scheduled, performed and completed with minimal risks and complications. Not to mention that by allowing plastic surgeons the opportunity to practice in the area that they prefer, techniques can be modified to make surgery easier and the professionals will remain motivated to do an outstanding job every time. Surprisingly, the more plastic surgeons there are, the more affordable cosmetic surgery is, since it helps to spread out the costs and diversifies the field a bit more.

Being able to take a person's desires and dreams about their body and make them a reality is one of the reasons why being the doctor is so thrilling and fulfilling. With the use of medical science and technology, the possibilities are virtually endless. Any reason that a patient is unhappy with their body or anyone that seems to be dealing with psychological damage and stress from a physical defect can receive help. Instead of having to live with what is causing them to feel that way, they can resort to cosmetic surgery and end up with a brand new lease and outlook on life.

Keep in mind that these professionals do more than just sculpt a person's body. They also enhance their patients' egos and increase their happiness and satisfaction with their body. By increasing a person's satisfaction with their body, that same patient goes out into the world more motivated and driven because of their new found confidence. The effects of surgery are more than just physical; they are emotional and psychological as well. There aren't many professions in the world that have such a significant impact on the world like plastic surgeons do.

History of Cosmetic Surgery

The ancient Greeks and Romans have been credited with performing some of the first, albeit basic, plastic surgery operations. They were known for repair type procedures for battle wounds done out of military necessity. While this seems a far cry from modern day aesthetic surgery, it has also been found that there is evidence of rhinoplasty in India from the same and earlier periods. Cosmetic surgery has a long and extensive history around the world, even if modern cosmetic surgery is only recently surging in popularity.

There are definitely more operations done because of vanity, because a person wants to look a certain way, than because they need to have something fixed that has gone wrong. Even so, many of the techniques used in modern cosmetic surgery, particularly facial surgery, were borne of military necessity on the field of battle as far back as WWI. The situations that arose in these battlefield procedures could be quite dire, and prompted a good bit of experimentation because - as harsh as it is - there was sometimes little to be lost from the attempts. Reconstructive surgery and skin grafting techniques grew in leaps and bounds during this period.

There is a famous British sailor who is known as the first person to have benefited from plastic surgery, though that title is admittedly a little dubious. Scarred and injured in battle in 1916, Walter Yeo had major damage done to both his eyes and mouth. His injuries were covered by a skin graft over his eyes and mouth. It was not attractive but it was functional.

Now it takes much less convincing to have a procedure done. There is a certain obsession with cosmetic surgery in the US and the Western World, and it is reaching greater and greater heights every year. In 2011, in the US alone, there were 1,638,524 surgical cosmetic procedures (according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). This is roughly double what it was about ten years prior. The number is climbing, still.

In the future I believe that we will continue to see more and more plastic surgery as it becomes more common throughout the generations. When children think that it is normal for their mother to have a lift at 45 and their dad to have calf implants, they'll think nothing of doing the same and maybe more when they are grown. And that process will repeat exponentially throughout generations - not to mention that procedures will inevitably come down in price as technology and technical skill of the industry increases.

The most common operations now are breast implants, chin implants, facelifts, and liposuction. While plastic surgery gets bigger and bigger in popularity, people consider their alternatives less and they are perhaps more eager to get a surgical operation. It remains to be seen whether this will truly be in the best interest of our culture or not.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures - Part 1

There are a variety of dental procedures that stray from the traditional procedures that patients associate with going to the dentist. Traditional dentistry procedures includes cleaning of the teeth, treating oral diseases, helping patients to maintain oral hygiene, and aiding in the prevention of oral infections, ailments, and disorders. Besides going to the dentist for one of the above focuses, many patients go to see their oral physician to advance the appearance of their smile by means of cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry makes a variety of options available to those that are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile. Some of the procedures that are offered in the field of cosmetic dentistry are zoom whitening, lunmineers, and dental implants. Each one of these procedures is used to correct problems that a patient may have with their smile, which includes, the mouth itself, gums, and teeth.

Zoom Whitening

Zoom Whitening is a teeth whitening procedure that uses power whitening to help patients obtain a smile that is much brighter than they had before. The process can help your grin become anywhere from six to ten shades brighter and lighter than before having the procedure performed. The course of action for zoom whitening consists of applying a material to the gums to isolate the teeth and then layering whitening gel over each tooth. After the gel is removed from your pearly whites fluoride is applied to reduce sensitivity.

Lumineers

Lumineers are porcelain shields that are extremely thin. The shields are bonded to the front of your teeth only to create a drastic change in the appearance of your grin. Many patients decide to go the route of lumineers to correct a variety of problems such as permanent stains, gapped, chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth, and many other conditions. Lumineers are a great way to improve the look of a persons smile and are able to last up to twenty years.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a means for replacing missing teeth so that your smile looks natural. The dental implant is an artificial tooth that is implanted into the mouth to create a beautiful smile and a permanent solution. Each implant is a cylinder created out of titanium. To implant this artificial tooth the cylinder is placed into the jaw bone and is able to serve just as the root of a tooth would. The best part about dental implants is that they blend in nicely with all natural teeth, allow a patient's grin to look and feel effortless. The artificial tooth also allows for normal chewing and speaking.

Everyone would like to have a perfect smile, but not all people are born with flawless teeth. To make up for the beautiful oral appearance that your mouth or smile may lack cosmetic dentistry is a great choice and the way to go.

Various Cosmetic Color Contact Lenses

Color contact lenses tend to be a trend amongst people today. They help in enhancing the appearances of the people and in fact is quickly becoming a trend today. They're many different color contact lenses you can buy and there are lenses that have designs on them. Lenses which were various colored together with patterns can also be found easily and most of these kinds of lenses give you a superb look. All these contact lenses can become comfortably used in various costume functions. Aside from the appearance point, you can wear them to improve your vision.

Color contact lenses available in various color such as brown, gray, green, violet, blue and pink. This simply give you more selection before making your final decision to choose your favorite lenses. Some of the Asian's eyes are naturally in brown color but they want change their iris to blue or violet, color lens can simply fulfill this job. These help you improve your looks drastically as it tends to add a sense of aura around your eyes. There are certain lenses which don't change your eye color but they add an effect around them. Some colors are very bright and some lenses are subtle, so after choosing a color make sure it has the right intensity. There are many lenses that are sported by stars like Robert Pattinson, Jessica Alba, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton etc.

Most of these lenses are usually available via internet as well as an optical retail store. Retail store does sell lenses but not much choices. Affordable contacts can be obtained online which it could be shipped to any destination around the world. Nowadays with the advance technology, disposable lens can up to 1 year life span. Price range from $10-40, it always depends on the color, diameter of the lens as well as the design. It comes with various prescription, from -0.00(plano) up to -10.00.

While you are purchasing the particular lens, everyone should really always take a look for the particular lens specs, several lens are supplied in much bigger dimension which usually doesn't bring you enough air flow to your eyes (if you have sensitive eyes). This is important because not all lenses are made in the same manner and certain lenses will simply cause eye irritation. if this is the first time of using color lens or if you have sensitive eyes, it is advice to consult the eye specialist in advance to prevent any injury. You must always buy from legitimate website.

Color Contact Lenses are one of the fashion trends nowadays to beauty up your appearance,it simply a part of the make up, which this is happen in your eyes.

Age Does Not Have to Be Skin Deep

A dermatologist can be your best friend. These trained professionals can treat and remove and alleviate all kinds of appearance disorders that plague the self-esteem, social lives, and dating prospects of millions of Americans every day.

Medical dermatology will help you move beyond the misery of mysterious rashes, exzema, psoriasis, rosacea, shingles and those odd spots you can't self-diagnose from anything you find on the web. If you want to have your birth mark, age spots, or any questionable pigmentary issues appearing on your skin, these are the doctors to see.

This subspecialty will also look at that mole that does seem to be changing and let you know whether you're looking at melanoma. It's also where you can have the growth removed, regardless of your biopsy results. Skin cancer is still the most common form of cancer in the United States. Sunshine is good for the spirits; it's not so good for the epidermis.

All of those hours playing tennis to keep your heart healthy are fantastic news for your cardiologist. They are worthy of great pride during American Heart Month, even though February is a bit cold for a morning match on the courts. Your lack of sunscreen or refusal to reapply over the course of hot afternoon in July, however, will cause you to hang your head a bit as your dermatologist looks at every freckle and mole and your overall leathery skin. Thankfully, he or she can also help you to stay on top of any problems that emerge.

Cosmetic dermatology consists of all of those things you swore you would never do when you were seventeen and possessed all the confidence of youth. Now that wrinkles, charmingly referred to as "crow's feet" and "laugh lines," have made their way across your face, these services may seem more appealing. Your aesthetician can do wonders for you with facials, but a medical background is needed to restore the appearance of youth.

Botox can freeze certain signs of aging in their tracks. It can also treat excessive sweating, if that's an issue for you. Collagen injections can fill in the deepest lines mapping their way across your face. Chemical peels can burn away the superficial layers of skin that stubbornly tell the visual history of your life of squinting into the sun, surviving teenage and adult acne, and smiling enough to make a permanent crease.

Whether you want to look as young as you feel, treat an ongoing skin condition, or rid yourself of that one spot you're self-conscious about, a dermatologist can help. Remember, your wrinkles don't have to be as deep as you are.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors - Why They Are Increasingly in Demand

Cosmetic surgery has continued to surge in popularity in the UK, among both women and men, and across all age groups and social strata. As surgical techniques have improved, cosmetic procedures have become more widely available, and prices have continued to fall. The main problem in the UK is that the industry remains poorly regulated, allowing cowboy practitioners to offer complex invasive surgical procedures which they are not competent to perform. The result is that hundreds of people are either left dissatisfied with the results of cosmetic surgery, or are otherwise injured due to poor patient care or surgical errors.

Fierce competition among cosmetic clinics leads to a situation where the main priority of some is get clients under the knife as quickly as possible. This can lead to surgeons giving prospective patients unrealistic expectations as to what surgery is likely to achieve, and causing subsequent dissatisfaction with the results. Surgical errors may be caused by lack of training, inexperience or poor technique. A patient may be left with asymmetrical results; uneven nipples following a breast reduction operation for example. Otherwise scarring may be extensive, especially where a person is prone to keloid scars, which are raised, prominent, and hard to get rid of.

While most aesthetic damage from cosmetic surgery can be corrected, certain types of functional damage cannot. If a surgeon severs nerves during an operation for example, a patient may be partially paralysed, or may lose the use of one of the major senses, such as loss of sense of smell following a botched Rhinopasty (nose surgery) operation. Errors during breast surgery may lead to loss of physical feeling in the nipples and breasts, and may prevent a woman from breast-feeding in the future. A person may also be disfigured if too much muscle and soft tissues are removed during surgery. In circumstances such as these, the emotional ramifications for an injured person can be equally as bad as the physical pain and suffering caused.

There are various medical complications that a patient may suffer during or after cosmetic surgery, including infections, allergic reactions, blood clots and skin death (necrosis). There are also various contraindications, which make a person unsuitable for cosmetic surgery, and these should be identified during a pre-operative medical consultation. Generally speaking, both clinics and surgeons are expected to show reasonable care and skill when dealing with patients. Where this is not the case, and a patient is injured either physically or emotionally, the latter should seek advice from a specialist cosmetic surgery lawyer, and consider making a claim for compensation against their clinic or surgeon.

11 Tips For Successful Cosmetic Surgery

11 Cosmetic surgery tips for you:

1. Your body, your choice: while choosing cosmetic surgery, always keep in mind that you are the best one to decide about your appearances. Don't get influenced by others and choose the best cosmetic surgery procedure for yourself. Yes, you may consult and get other's suggestions. But the final decision should lie with you.

2. Find a right surgeon: after having decided to get the surgery, you should look for a qualified surgeon. The surgeon should be highly trained and assure you a quality work. You should also verify the certificates and qualifications of the surgeon. Check his/her registration with the concerned body of the specific country. Check if your surgery is on the register or not. It's very important that you should feel satisfied with the surgeon.

3. Research is important: all cosmetic surgeries come with risk and limitations. Garner as much as information as you can. Learn about the risks involved and what benefits you can have with the surgery procedure. Make your own choice as to whether it is correct for you.

4. Discuss with your GP: your GP has always your welfare in mind. Many GP's give unbiased advice to their patients so that they can do what they think is right. And this is very importance in case of cosmetic surgery.

5. Be conscious about the location: location is a very important aspect. The location should be convenient for you. The convenience can be decided depending upon the proximity and route of the surgery clinic. Do not travel a long distance unless you have full confidence that you will receive best services.

6. Carefully consider the location: you should consider having your cosmetic surgery procedure at a location which is convenient for you. This should involve choosing a location where you will be able to receive adequate post operative care which includes a management plan should any complications arise. Do not travel far distances (e.g. abroad) unless a suitable follow up care plan will be in place.

7. Right time is very important: It is strongly recommended that you have cosmetic surgery during a time period when you will be able to take proper rest and recover. Avoid cosmetic surgery in case you are undergoing life events such as shifting to a new house, switching to a new job, break up of a relationship or loss of a loved one.

8. Consultation Fees: Be wary of consultation fees and try to avoid booking fees and non refundable deposits. The best way is to do a research on own.

9. Take your time: Don't rush! Take as much as you think is required to make a good decision. Hurrying can be dangerous in case of cosmetic surgery.

10. Right organization: Not many agree with it but right organization is very important. You should comfortable with the clinic, staff and overall infrastructure at the organization you choose to have your cosmetic surgery.

11. Stay cool: Don't get upset with anything or feel pressurized. Body is yours and it's you who has to take all the decision. Feel free to change your mind at any point.

Plastic Surgery - Anybody Can Afford Plastic Surgery If They Follow These Tips

Start Saving

If you cannot afford to pay off the procedure in full, you should start saving money. When you get paid each week or every two weeks, you should put a portion of the money into a bank account or CD. If you work on it for one year or a few years, you will have enough money for the procedure you want to get done. If you save half the money you need for the procedure, you can always charge the rest onto a credit card.

Charge The Procedure

You can pay for the plastic surgery procedure with a credit card. Some credit cards are interest free for 6 months, so take advantage of credit card offers. Just make sure you find out what your credit limit is before you charge the procedure.

Apply For Financing

If you do not like the idea of charging the procedure on a credit card, you should apply for financing. You can apply for financing online with a bank, credit union, or financial institution. If you finance the procedure, you will have an easier time paying it off and your monthly payments will be lower. You will need decent credit in order to get approved for a personal loan. However, you can apply with a co-signer if your credit is poor.

Apply For CareCredit

You can finance the procedure with CareCredit. CareCredit offers a credit card with no up-front costs, monthly payment options, and no prepayment penalties or annual fees. CareCredit works like a credit card but it was designed for health care services.

In-House Financing

Bear in mind that some plastic surgeons offer in-house financing. In-house financing is often free of interest, so it is an excellent option for you. You may qualify if your credit is poor, so find a doctor that offers in-house financing.

Layaway Plan

Some plastic surgeons offer layaway plans. With a layaway plan, you will be required to make payments to the doctor. Your payments will go towards the plastic surgery procedure. When the procedure is paid off in full, you can make an appointment to have the surgery done.

Get A Second Job

If you are concerned about the plastic surgery costs, you may want to consider applying for a second job. If you work long hours, you will have an easier time paying off the procedure. You will be making more money, and you can use it to pay off your plastic surgery bills. Good luck.

Types of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a term thrown around with a lot of frequency. The term, however, is rather vague given the fact there are different types of cosmetic surgery. Here is a guide to the different types of cosmetic surgery.

The world of cosmetic surgery is growing quickly each year. As time passes, more and more people are looking into the benefits of having cosmetic procedures performed on their bodies - and more and more procedures are being developed to fit patients' needs. While medical science has not yet come up with surgeries that are able to provide solutions to all of the cosmetic problems people have, the many types of cosmetic surgery that are available today are attempting to correct most of the physical issues patients have.

The types of cosmetic surgery that are available for patients right now can be loosely grouped into two types: those that add something to the body and those that take something away. Many people are unhappy with the size and shape of parts of their bodies, and they would like to either reduce the size of the body part or increase its size.

Liposuction is perhaps the most popular of the procedures that are used to take away unwanted areas of the body. Liposuction involves making a small cut into an area of the body that has too much fat tissue (such as the hips or stomach), and then a cannula is inserted into the cut. The cannula is a small, flexible tube with which the surgeon can dislodge and vacuum out the unwanted fat cells. In this way, stubborn areas of fat that aren't responding to diet and exercise can be removed.

Some of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery, however, involve adding volume to areas of the body. One of these is seen in collagen injections, which plump up the lips. But, the biggest of the addition surgeries is breast augmentation. With this surgery, implants (usually made of saline) are inserted into a woman's breasts in order to enlarge her cup size. These implants can be modest, and used to enhance breasts that may be undersized or sagging, or large - these are usually given to women who are looking to make a big impact.

While there are many more types of cosmetic surgery out there, the most popular across all age groups have to be liposuction and breast augmentation. While many people are tempted to jump into getting cosmetic surgery, it's very important to consult a board certified cosmetic surgeon to find out what is the best procedure for you. Never rush into any type of surgery or cosmetic procedure.

The Hard Numbers on Plastic Surgery

From reality television to spruced up celebrities, there is little doubt plastic surgery is popular these days. Words are cheap, however, so here are the numbers on plastic surgery.

If you watch television, surf the Web or listen to any radio station, you can definitely see that plastic surgery is extremely popular. There are reality shows devoted to extreme plastic surgery makeovers and the tales of plastic surgery gone wrong, and many patients have developed websites to tell their own plastic surgery stories. But just how common is having these sorts of cosmetic procedures? Here are some numbers on plastic surgery that really show how many people are going under the knife.

The 2004 numbers on plastic surgery show that there were 11.9 million surgical and non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed that year (statistics provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). This represents a 44 percent increase over the amount of people that had similar procedures in the year 2003. Of the 11.9 million procedures performed, 18 percent were surgical (while the remaining were procedures such as injections or dermabrasion).

From the year 1997 to the year 2004, there was a 465 percent increase in the total number of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States, and a 118 percent increase in the number of surgical cosmetic procedures. 90 percent of the total 11.9 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2004 took place on female patients, which amounted to 10.7 million procedures.

The numbers on plastic surgery for the year 2004 also show the top five surgical procedures that took place during that year. They were: liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and facelift. The top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures were as follows: Botox injections, laser hair removal, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and hyaluronic acid (Restylane) injections. Most of these procedures took place on people aged 35-50 - 45 percent of the total amount of people who had cosmetic procedures.

The amount of people getting cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-invasive, has been steadily increasing every year. With the numbers clearly showing that many people prefer non-surgical procedures over those that require surgery, medical science is sure to be developing more and more non-invasive solutions to cosmetic issues.

Positional Plagiocephaly and Infant Plastic Surgery

In a child's early months, the skull is soft and changes shape easily. Often a baby will get comfortable sleeping in a certain position every night, resulting in the flattening of a portion of his head. This was made more prevalent by the "back to sleep" campaign, which recommends that a newborn be laid on its back when it sleeps. This has resulted in fewer babies dying from SIDS, but it has also resulted in more cases of babies with positional plagiocephaly.

Most diagnoses of plagiocephaly however, are not permanent because the infant's head is elastic until about 18 months, and usually rounds out when encouraged to sleep in different positions. Unfortunately though, some infants don't cooperate and still sleep on the flattened side and do develop a more severe flattened skull which results in the head shifting forward and occurs in about 1 in 300 babies. Though positional plagiocephaly does not usually hinder the development of the brain, it is important to recognize the problem early to avoid plastic surgery. Usually just repositioning the head when the baby is sleeping works to solve the problem.

A more severe type of positional plagiocephaly is called craniosynostosis. This is where the skull has fused together earlier than it should. A pediatric neurologist can determine if this is the case by either feeling the head or performing a CT scan. If it is determined that the sutures have closed, plastic surgery will be needed to re-shape the head.

To prevent or correct positional plagiocephaly, you need to try to keep the baby from sleeping on the flat part of the head. This is not easy as sometimes the automatically goes back onto that side. Some things you can do to help the baby keep his head turned away from the flat area is to hang a mobile for the baby to look at in the direction that you want him to look. It is also recommended that you give the baby more of what is called "tummy time" to start sleeping on his tummy when he begins to roll over. You can also limit the amount of time the baby spends in a car seat, swing, or bounce seat, or use a specially made car seat so the child's head does not lay flat.

In some cases, the pediatric neurologist may recommend that the child wears a helmet for a few months so that the pressure can be kept off the head and the baby can sleep in whatever position he wants. This treatment usually starts before the baby is 8 months old and is used to treat more severe cases of plagiocephaly. This helmet will be made to fit your child and can be adjusted according to your child's growth.

If your child's head appears to be flat on one side, schedule an appointment with a pediatric neurologist who will determine what your next step should be.

Considering Cosmetic Facelift Surgery? See What's New - Like a Short Scar Facelift

Anti-wrinkle creams and non-invasive face lift procedures -- like thermage facelift and contour thread lift - may not be enough to reduce the signs of facial aging or give some people the dramatic results they desire.

Many times cosmetic facelift surgery procedures are combined with other rejuvenating procedures like a brow lift or an eye lift to reduce puffiness and deep Bags under the Eyes.

Types of Cosmetic Facelift Surgery

Fortunately, for that seeking cosmetic facelift surgery -- today we have more choices than ever. There are many ways to lift, tighten, and reposition the skin and soft tissues of the face. Depending on the individual and their goals, a doctor can help select the best procedure to meet those needs.

For older patients or those with excess sagging and loose skin around the chin and neck area, most doctors would suggest a full facelift.

However, for baby boomers around 60 years of age or younger, a mini facelift or mid facelift is usually recommended. This procedure only rejuvenates the middle part of the face, such as lower eyes, cheeks, nasolabial fold and jowls.....not the neck and chin area.

What's New

A new development in the field of cosmetic facelift procedures -- called the Short Scar Facelift takes much less time to perform and reduces scaring and recovery time.

The advantages of a short scar facelift are that it does not leave those large thick scars behind the ears as a traditional face lift. This is important for men and women who like to wear their hair short, up or in a pony tail.

How Does It Work?

Unlike a traditional facelift where the incisions are placed within the temporal hair line and behind the ears -- the incision on a short scare facelift is to place the incision along the temporal hairline and in front of the hairline.

In addition, to minimize distortion of the sideburn (for men) some doctors also make a horizontal "dart" incision just below the sideburn.

Also, instead of just tightening and removing loose skin, surgeons now try to achieve a more natural look by tightening the SMAS (the facial layer). Also, fat may be removed, added, or repositioned -- depending on the person -- to achieve a more natural youthful look.

Average Costs of Plastic Surgery

The cost will vary depending on many factors .....What type of facelift was performed? Were there additional procedures like Restylane injections, Botox, or laser resurfacing? What is the location and experience of the surgeon? However, in general, cosmetic facelift surgery cots range between $6,000 and $25,000.

Are You A Good Candidate?

Opting for a Facelift is a serious decision and should only be done to please yourself, not someone else. A good candidate should have realistic goals and a positive outlook.

It is best if you don't smoke - at least for a few weeks before surgery - and you should be healthy for best results.

Losing Bat Wings Through Plastic Surgery

If you worry that you're turning into your grandmother, with rolls of excess, flabby skin on the underside of your arms, then take heart. You don't have to sport a pair of bat-wings forever. Of course, you could always try diet and special exercise, designed to strengthen your upper arms and make them appear sleek again. But if all else fails, why not try brachioplasty?

The vast majority of arm lift patients are those who have lost an enormous amount of weight, either on their own or as the result of bariatric, or weight loss surgery.

It might be painful and it might leave scars, but brachioplasty is the only sure-fire way to ditch the bat-wings - forever. While this invasive surgery is best for people who have lost an enormous amount of weight and sport visible rolls of flab on their arms, it also works for anyone who wants to give themselves a sleek, new contoured look - with maximum pain and expense.

The Operation

With age we tend to lose some of the natural elasticity of our skin, as well as natural muscle tone and supporting tissue. People who experience this to a greater degree may seek arm reduction surgery, or brachioplasty, but the vast majority of patients are those who have lost an enormous amount of weight, either on their own or as the result of bariatric, or weight loss surgery.

Brachioplasty is not for people with a low pain threshold, as this form of cosmetic surgery can be very painful. It's actually very simple: in an operation taking about two hours, the surgeon makes a T-shaped incision from your armpit to the elbow, slices off the saggy skin, then sews you back up again. In rare cases where there is a huge amount of tissue to be excised, the surgeon might use liposuction or combined lipo and ultrasound to get rid of it all.

The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, and the recovery period can be difficult. To minimize bruising and help tissues shrink, patients are required to wear compression bandages on their arms for at least seven weeks. A hospital stay of several nights may be required, and you will have to follow a strict regime to minimise the risk of infection.

Be aware that not everyone is a suitable candidate for this operation. If you are prone to rashes as a result of the excess skin rubbing on your body you might be a good candidate. But if the rashes are partly a result of excess sweating due to certain conditions you may be more likely to develop post-operative infections, and your surgeon may not allow the operation to take place. It is also not recommended following mastectomy, and you must be in good enough health to withstand the anesthesia.

Scars

The biggest drawback of brachioplasty is scarring, as patients are left with little excess skin and one big scar, extending from the armpit clear through to the elbow. It ain't pretty, but if you have a lot of saggy flesh to get rid of it's probably a worthwhile trade-off - and you can always invest in a fake tan company!

A good surgeon will, of course, make all effort to minimize scarring, including making incisions in the natural creases of the arms where they will be less visible. But, unfortunately, scarring is definitely one aspect of brachioplasty that won't go away, which is why it's often seen as a last-ditch procedure where other methods have failed...

Mini Arm Tuck

Patients with less skin to lose may opt for this surgery instead, where the scar is limited to a half-crescent neatly tucked away in the armpit. You may want to discuss with your surgeon whether this form of arm reduction surgery is better for you. It's not offered everywhere, so shop around and find a certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with the procedure and has done it many times before.

Conventional Lipo for Lovely Arms

Liposuction can only work when there is lots of fat in the arms but little excess skin to remove. The technique involves sucking out the fat and allowing what little excess skin is left to tighten over it naturally. Obviously, this will not be feasible when there is loads of extra flesh following massive weight loss. But it can work if you just want to lose a bit of fat to make your arms look better.

CAST Liposuction

Relatively new and rare, this type of lipo is carried out circumferentially, and also close to the surface of the skin, to promote the skin shrinking without having to cut if off. You will need to wear a special compression sleeve for a while to encourage shrinkage even more - and will need to look long and hard for a surgeon who will carry out this unusual procedure! Probably only recommended for those whose bat-wings are not huge...

The Titan Approach

If your sagging bat-wings are the result of age instead of weight loss, this less invasive, non-surgical method might be for you. Tissue beneath the skin's surface is tightened thanks to a infrared light source, which firms up the collagen and - in theory, at least - helps make your bat-wings begin to recede.

The Titan method is advertised as being able to smooth out wrinkles and "titan" the area without the negative side effects that full-on surgery would entail. Results are seen within two months, as the skin's collagen seeks to repair itself. At least two treatments are necessary: expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 and up.

Arm reduction surgery, or an arm lift, can be a difficult decision if based purely on aesthetic reasons alone, as you are trading excess skin for visible scars. But there are other benefits to brachioplasty besides just visual ones: the ability to exercise better, to wear clothes more comfortably and enjoy a bigger choice of clothing, and an end to unsightly and unpleasant skin rashes caused by friction due to excess skin.

People should not take this form of body contouring lightly - and you wouldn't as it can cost up to $5,000. But if you have a qualified and certified plastic surgeon who recommends "correcting the bat-wing deformity" as your best bet, then go for it. What have you got to lose - except your bat-wings!

The Importance of Online Marketing For Your Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

As the economic recession set in and continues on, many businesses have felt the negative effects of it. One of the most notable types of businesses suffering in this economic climate is cosmetic surgery practices. Though there was previously an incline in business throughout this industry, lately the recession has caused a great drop in the number of patients and procedures. Most cosmetic surgery clinics are seeing as much as a 50% drop in sales from previous years. So what's the solution?

Traditional marketing tactics used to work quite well within this industry. Cosmetic clinics used traditional marketing strategies and the techniques that were part of them finding great success. Tactics such as ads in the Yellow Pages and magazine advertising worked quite well for a period of time. The reality is that these are no longer working and something else needs to be done.

Those that work within this industry aren't usually marketing experts. Therefore they are using antiquated ad templates and other useless methods to get the word out. So while they may be investing thousands of dollars, they are quite literally throwing this money out the window. People aren't getting the procedures done and when they are, they aren't looking to the Yellow Pages to find cosmetic practices as their best resource.

Those patients that really want to have procedures done and who are willing to spend the money on them are looking to the Internet as their main source of information. If you are a cosmetic practice that really wants to get your client numbers up and therefore increase your revenue, then you absolutely must use online methods for your marketing efforts. You need a website with a credible presence that is both user-friendly and inviting.

You need to market yourself using that website to draw in consumers. You need to reach out to consumers through online tactics that will reach them in their inbox and therefore get them in your door. Times have changed and if you want to make a success of your cosmetic surgery clinic, then you need to keep up with the best marketing tactics, and that means online.

The Importance of Cosmetic Dermatology

Some people visit theirs every day, while others have never been to see one, but regardless demand for dermatologists is constantly growing in the United States. People tend to spend far more money than they realize each year on products which only provide some relief, and do not cure the inherent problem the person is having with the skin. The realization that visiting a dermatologist can provide real and permanent solutions to problems ranging from acne to sun damage is enough to send most people to a dermatological practice straight away. Prescription strength medications to correct problems going on with a patient's skin are just the beginning. New technologies are being invented regularly that truly take the practice of dermatology to new levels. One example is that of the use of lasers in medical and cosmetic dermatological practices.

Two of the most common reasons that people visit a dermatologist for the first time are sun damage and acne. While many people struggle with acne from the teen years on, they do not consider going to a dermatologist until they reach adulthood and have reached the end of their patience. Sun damage, on the other hand, is often something which appears gradually with age, but outwardly can appear to have quite a sudden onset. This kind of damage can even turn into precancerous cells. Luckily, with laser treatments San Diego dermatology professionals have discovered ways to assist patients with all of the above conditions.

The benefit of laser treatments is that they do not only treat the symptoms of a condition, but encourage the production of chemicals and elements in the skin which occur naturally, but are needed in greater quantities for the improvement of appearance. This can accomplish anything from tightening the skin to eliminate wrinkles, to encouraging healing to removing scars, liver spots and stretch marks. In other words, these laser treatments can actually rejuvenate the skin leaving it younger, fresher and healthier than before. Modern treatments also go to great lengths not to burn or damage the skin which can have negative effects in the long term. As a result the recovery times are short, the number of treatments required fewer than ever before, and the pain far less than ever before. In fact, many modern procedures are nearly painless! For more information about new laser procedures like Intense pulse light, photodynamic therapy, Active and Deep FX, Fraxel Repair, CoolTouch 2, Relume and more begin by speaking with your dermatologist!

Different Types of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery are many things and below is an explanation of the most common types.

Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery is really a quite large category ranging from personal improvements and rebuilding different part of the body - primarily for enhancing appearance but also for improving body functions. Cosmetic surgery reshapes normal body structures, like liposuction, tummy tuck and breast augmentation.

Liposuction - also know as SAL (suction assisted lipectomy) is basically removal of unwanted fat from different parts of the body. It i a very popular surgery and in fact the most common cosmetic surgery performed in the US. The procedure is very effective and provide instantly the desired results. It is quite affordable, effective and a safe and predictable way to loose body fat. Liposuction is often done in combination with other cosmetic surgeries like removal of excessive skin.The most frequent body areas treated are the abdomen, the legs, the middle and outer thighs and the flanks. Less frequent areas include the arms, the buttocks, the back, male breasts and the chin.It is important to note that liposuction is no a substitute for weight loss - this is still done be diet and exercise. Liposuction removes fat and thus improving body shape, but there might be side effects such excessive skin which can be removed in another procedure.

Tummy tuck, also know as abdominoplasty, is another popular cosmetic surgery. The procedure tightens weak or stretched abdominal muscles,removes excessive skin and thereby giving a tones, flat abdomen. The tummy tuck involves removing loose skin and abdominal fat, and reinserting the navel. Removal of stretch marks from the lower abdomen is often possible, but can not be guaranteed.Breast augmentation most often involves enlargement and reshaping of the breasts.

Breast augmentation are also frequently used for are constructions of the breasts after a masectomy. Breast augmentation consists of inserting implants, saline filled plastic bags, into the breasts. Most often these implants are placed behinds the breasts,giving a more natural look and feel. The implants used to be of silicone, but due to health risks this kind of implants are no longer used.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is rebuilding parts of the body that has been damaged or defective from birth. Skin grafts for burn victims, removal of tumors, breast reconstruction, breast reduction and hand surgery are such examples.

Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is also know as Bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery is performed in order to help an individual lose weight. Also called weight loss, anti-obesity, or obesity surgery. The surgery is done on the stomach and/or intestines to help the patient with extreme obesity lose weight. Usually only obese people with a BMI over 40 will be offered this type of surgery.

Dermatology - Why It's Important

Dermatology is a subspecialty of medicine that deals with diseases and disorders of the skin. Dermatologists are doctors specially trained in medical and surgical aspects of skin care, including cosmetic, aesthetic and functional improvement. Subsets of this specialty include disorders and treatment of the scalp, hair and nails. Types of therapies provided by dermatologists include hair removal, cosmetic filler injections, laser or photodynamic therapy, tattoo removal, tumescent liposuction, cryosurgery, and a variety of medicated or non-medicated topical and systemic therapies.

Hair removal may be achieved via electrolysis or laser follicle destruction. Each technique is appropriate for different types of hair on different types of skin. For example, laser hair removal is most effective when used on dark hair and light skin and can be used to treat large areas in a short time. Electrolysis is more suited for smaller areas with fine or light hair. These procedures are extremely common and side effects for each treatment are relatively rare.

Cosmetic filler injections are a widely popular form of non-surgical anti-aging dermatology treatment. Usually used to reduce or eliminate frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, or add size and shape to lips, injections are performed in a clinic on an outpatient basis with minimal recovery time. The results are often immediate, the risk of side effects is relatively low, and the cost is often reasonable, making this treatment popular, safe and effective.

Laser and photodynamic therapy are often used to reduce or eliminate birthmarks, tattoos, skin disorders such as vitiligo, or cosmetic resurfacing and rejuvenation. Skin cancer and precancerous growths can also be treated with phototherapy as a non-surgical approach to reduce risk of metastasis. Many people turn to laser or phototherapy to improve the overall tone and texture of their skin.

Tumescent liposuction is a type of surgical procedure performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons to aid patients in achieving a more desirable shape. While liposuction should never be used as a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise, it is often a viable option for individuals that have recently lost a lot of weight but have a few remaining pounds they just can't get rid of. Tumescent liposuction uses dilute anesthetic via local infusion to create space between muscle and fatty tissue. This space allows more room for the liposuction cannula and minimizes systemic anesthetic toxicity.

Cryosurgery is often performed on an outpatient basis from a clinic and is used to treat warts, skin cancers, or other dermatological disorders with liquid nitrogen. The risk of side effects and healing time are both very minimal, making this therapy both common and safe. Both benign and malignant skin conditions can be treated with cryosurgery and it is an important part of any dermatology practice.

Topical and systemic therapies include antibiotics, immunotherapy, medicinal or non-medicinal topical creams or gels, and other injectable products designed to treat a variety of skin disorders. Acne, skin cancer, precancerous growths, anti-aging skin care, and hair growth or removal are all types of disorders that can be treated with topical or systemic therapies.

Consult a dermatology specialist in your area to determine your skin care needs and appropriate treatment modalities.

Quality Healthcare Clinics Offer a Variety of Treatments

Many cosmetic and healthcare clinics offer a wide variety of procedures to their patients. These can range from spa treatments right through to major medical treatments.

This means that a client can visit one clinic for a choice of procedures, making it their one stop destination for treatments including skin care, dental care and eye care.

These private health clinics are popular because the patients can get to know their surgeon and the other staff over a period of time, as they undergo a range of treatments. The patient can feel that they are in safe hands for all their medical and cosmetic needs.

There are many private medical clinics around the world that offer a fantastic variety of treatments to patients. In countries where there is no government health scheme, it is particularly important that there are quality private healthcare clinics.

This enables people to get the essential health treatments they need. A typical range of health care offered at private clinics includes dentistry, ophthalmology and cardiology.

Specific treatments include laser surgery for the eyes, a common treatment these days, as well as procedures to treat diseases of the eyes.

Dental care can also be carried out at healthcare clinics. Orthodontic and dental treatments offered can include aesthetic restoration, implants and the treatment of gum disease.

People with serious heart-related health problems can also turn to healthcare clinics for cardiology procedures.

Types of cosmetic treatment offered include all types of skincare and dermatology, from laser surgery to remove skin imperfections and unwanted hair to cellulite treatment.

Cosmetic dermatology also includes beauty enhancement procedures such as collagen implants, botox, microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

So there is usually a wide range of procedures available at healthcare clinics. They are also welcoming and relaxing environments, enabling the patients to relax before and after their procedure.

Some treatment clinics also offer spa treatments as well as health procedures. These include all types of therapeutic massage as well as beauty treatments. The spa is a relaxing environment in which to take time out from life and really relax.

All healthcare clinics should employ qualified surgeons, so it is worth checking the experience and qualifications of the surgeons on the clinic's website before deciding to proceed with a particular treatment.

After the first step of browsing the clinic's website, it is often best to call to discuss your medical or cosmetic needs with the clinic. They will then arrange an appointment for you to go in and talk through your procedure, ensuring you understand what it involves and are prepared before you go ahead.

Is Cosmetic Surgery Covered By Health Insurance?

Insurance Companies and What is Covered

Health insurance policies can vary on what is considered a covered medical procedure. Most insurance companies follow the definitions given by the AMA (American Medical Association) and the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) which state that there are two types of surgery when discussing plastic surgery - reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Luckily, there are guidelines insurance companies must follow when it comes to defining what is considered reconstructive and what is considered cosmetic.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery refers to surgery performed on abnormal structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease. These typically include;

Abdominal Surgery: If performed to improve or eliminate health problems such as back pain, sores, hernia, rashes, or to help improve your ability to walk normally.

Breast Surgery: If performed to correct asymmetry, reduce large breasts causing health problems, reconstruction due to loss, congenital absence (born with only one breast), or to reduce large male breasts.

Ear Surgery: If performed to correct deformed ears by birth, disease, or injury.

Eyelid Surgery: If performed to correct drooping eyelids that are causing vision problems or correct eyelids that are turned in an abnormal way.

Facial Surgery: If performed to balance the appearance if caused by paralysis, or to treat deformities in the facial muscles, head, or neck.

Hand Surgery: If performed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, nerve injuries, tendon injuries, fused fingers, or other deformities.

Nasal Surgery: If performed to correct deformities resulting from birth, disease, or problems with breathing.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is the reshaping of normal structures on the body to improve the self-esteem or appearance of a patient. These typically include physical improvements that are not medically necessary. Such as breast enlargement procedures, nose jobs (rhinoplasty), face lifts, hair transplants or laser hair removal, elimination of spider veins other such 'appearance' type medical procedures.

Researching Your Procedure

Read your health insurance plan booklet. You will likely find quick answers about surgeries covered, the appeals process and your expected deductible for the procedure.

Every health insurance company has a list of pre-approved medical procedures. So the direct method of contacting your health insurance provider will save you a lot of time when finding out if the exact procedure you need to have, or would like to have, is covered. Ask about exceptions, rule changes or special considerations. If possible, ask them to mail or fax you an approval letter or document outlining the coverage of the procedure you are asking about.

When speaking with your health insurance PPO or HMO provider, make sure you understand all details. Some insurance companies may cover the initial operation, but not the "post-op" complications or touch-ups. Some may not cover the surgery but will protect you in case of problems later on. Some may just cover prescriptions and short-term disability.

Before any type of surgery, discuss the procedure with your doctor and insurance carrier to determine what coverage, if any, you can expect.