Plastic Surgery and Your Appearance

People, who have suffered or were born with some type of ailment that has affected their appearance, are happy to have plastic surgery as an option to improve their looks.

Even those who are dissatisfied with the way their body looks can also turn to plastic surgery to get the look they desire. Since plastic surgery is something that both men and women can benefit greatly from, it has become one of the biggest money making industries in the world. Each year there are thousands of surgeries performed that rake in billions of dollars. Since it is now more socially acceptable to get plastic surgery, advancements in technology has made it something that is more accessible to all.

It is important that if you are considering going under the knife to change your looks, that you find the best plastic surgeon for the job. This will greatly improve your chances of success, satisfaction and lower your risk for complications. This will require a little of your time to research surgeons and practices, until you find one that is right for you. You need to find the most qualified, trustworthy and competent surgeon you can find.

You may have heard your share of horror stories about botched jobs and about people who have had several procedures because they like being able to change the way their body looks. Don't use those stories to help you determine what procedure is right for you. Since there are continuous advancements in technology and improvements being constantly made, everyone is bound to have a different experience.

Plastic surgery offers people the chance to change any part of their body that they do not like. By selecting the right surgeon and the proper procedure, anyone can transform their appearance and feel and look like a brand new person. Make sure that you schedule a consultation with any professional you are interested in to perform your surgery. The majority of plastic surgeons offer free consultations, so there is essentially no reason for you to forgo meeting with the doctors before you select one. They will ask about your medical history and it is very important for you to open and honest about your medical history. They will explain everything in detail about what needs to happen for you to get the results you expect. They will also be able to give you a more realistic expectation of your desired outcome.

Your surgeon will inform you of what to expect during your recovery and depending on your particular medical history, you may be given some special pre-operation and post operation instructions. Failure to follow those instructions can slow done or cause complications during your surgery and recovery. Immediately after your surgery and during your recovery, don't expect for your body to look the way you expect it too. Remember, that you just had surgery and it is going to take some weeks for your body to completely heal and look more like it should.

Dermatologist Discussion of Fraxel Laser Therapy and Thermage CPT Treatment Procedures

A dermatologist describes the most exciting cosmetic skin treatments being offered today are Fraxel??Laser Therapy and Thermage CPT, both developed by Solta Medical of Hayward, CA. These procedures are minimally invasive treatments which improve the appearance of the skin with minimum patient downtime. Literally any body surface area and all skin types and colors can be treated. The following is a list of conditions that can usually be treated effectively with these technologies:

* Wrinkles
* Poor texture
* Large skin pores
* Sun damage
* Sun spots
* Brown spots
* Acne scars
* Surgical scars
* Traumatic scars
* Melasma
* Uneven pigmentation
* Stretch marks
* Syringomas

Fraxel??Laser Therapy
The Fraxel??Laser treatment system works by applying microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin. There are two basic layers of skin involved in the treatment:

* The epidermis or outer layer of your skin
* The dermis or sub-layers of skin, which include collagen and elastin

The network of collagen and elastin in the dermis are the proteins that help keep your skin youthful-looking and tight. As people age and are exposed to more the harmful effects of the sun, these proteins break down faster than the body's ability to regenerate them. The skin then begins to develop the wrinkles, lines, agespots and sagging associated with age.

The Fraxel??system combats this process by focusing microscopic (1/2 the thickness of a hair follicle) laser columns deep into the dermis. Because the laser columns are so narrow and are precisely focused, the laser treatment causes tiny wounds to only a portion of the skin, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. This stimulates the body's natural healing system to regenerate new collagen and elastin, which tightens the skin and gives it a more youthful appearance. And because only a portion of the skin is affected, it is able to heal much faster. That means that the patient has much less down time. Depending on the procedure the patient may be able to resume normal activities the same day.

This is an outpatient procedure, only requiring the application of a topical anesthetic cream. Typically the only side effects are some sun burn like redness which usually clears up in a couple of days. The marvel of this treatment process is not only the amazing results, but also the speed of the recovery with little or no downtime and minimum risk of complications.

The Fraxel??Laser system is far and away a better process than any of the classic cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion and CO2 laser resurfacing. Usually the optimum results are achieved with 3 or 4 treatments each involving 15% to 30% of the skin. If you have always wanted to improve the look and feel of your skin but were afraid of the effects and long down time associated with other procedures you might want to consider Fraxel??Laser.

Thermage CPT

The Thermage system uses monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten and contour skin. Unlike other treatments which may require several treatments to achieve results, the Thermage system may deliver benefits with a single treatment. The treatment involves the delivery of a controlled amount of radio frequency (RF) energy deep into the dermis, thus heating a volume of collagen. This causes tightening of the existing collagen and over time stimulates the regeneration of new collagen. This remodeling of the collagen helps create smoother, tighter skin; improved tone and texture; and an overall younger-looking appearance. At the same time the deep heating occurs the surface of the skin is cooled to protect it from any damage. As a result the skin requires no recovery time and the patient can usually return to normal activities quickly.

The process is also performed in an outpatient environment, typically using a topical anesthetic cream. Depending on the length of the procedure, a relaxant and/or pain medication may also be used by the physician. Thermage is the only non-surgical procedure that can provide results with a single treatment.

Both the Fraxel??Laser and Thermage CPT treatment therapies should only be performed by a Board Certified medical professional that has undergone specialized training in the use of these procedures. You should consult with your dermatologist to determine if these treatment options are right for you.

5 Reasons Why People Get Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is very common these day, it is no longer only accessible to rich and famous. Any person in the world can have the procedure the want done, most people think cosmetic surgery is unsafe but it is only unsafe if your surgeon is not qualified.

Here are the 5 top reasons why most people get cosmetic surgery.

1. Health Reasons.

Some people may have gone through rough times caused by sickness or massive weight loss, so it's only natural for people to correct the damage caused by their illness. People may want to fix a problem that maybe causing health issues and surgery is the only option available, some people need surgery to survive.

2. Accidents.

Another reason why people get cosmetic surgery is because they have been in a accident. Minor car crashes, sports, work accident anything you can think of. Because of accidents people can become severely deformed and cosmetic/plastic surgery is the only option to help fix peoples injuries.

3. Self Esteem.

Some people choose to get cosmetic surgery to boost their self esteem. They need a boost and they think cosmetic surgery will give them that. In my opinion it does, people are extremely grateful to see the new changes to there bodies that they have always wanted.

4. Re constructive Surgery.

Re constructive procedures correct deformities on the face or body. These include physical birth defects like cleft lips and palates and ear deformities, traumatic injuries like those from dog bites or burns, or the aftermath of disease treatments like rebuilding a females breast after they have undergone surgery for breast cancer.

5. Vanity

Some people say vanity is the reason why people get cosmetic surgery, in some cases it is the case. Botox, Face lifts, Breast Augmentation can all be considered vanity procedures. But it is a choice and people choose to have these procedures performed and if it contributes to there self esteem who are we to judge.

Philippines Medical Tourism Overview - Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery has been on an upward trend worldwide especially with the constant and continuous development of surgical and non surgical techniques in recent years... from laser resurfacings to thread lifts...from endoscopic lift surgeries to minimally invasive rejuvenating techniques...

Unfortunately these relatively new and popular elective procedures together with the traditional and effective surgeries are not always accessible and affordable even to those living in developed countries as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, countries in Europe and parts of Asia. Medical and health services there in general have always been expensive. Cost of course has always been a significant factor and important consideration among many other things for the potential patient...it is after all something universal...The good news though is that certain select countries such as Mexico, Brazil, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines just to name a few, have taken notice and have taken advantage of this dilemma by offering these surgeries at very affordable rates to interested patients outside their territories. The significant price differential between medical and surgical costs between these developed countries and the Philippines in particular have made patients abroad take a second look at this attractive option. Who won't be amazed with getting a surgery package cost of about a third to a quarter of the price found in the U.S. with just the same results?

Medical tourism in the Philippines has actually been silently ongoing for decades now however it has only been recently wherein the Department of Tourism has actually emphasized and strongly encouraged the Medical profession to join the band wagon. In Asia, Thailand still leads the way in organized and systematic channeling of medical tourism services particularly in cosmetic plastic surgery. The Philippines is rapidly catching up though and is steadily getting a bigger share of the pie.

In 2006, the Department of Health in cooperation with the Department of Tourism came up with the Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP) which is a multisectoral program with the ultimate goal of making the Philippines the leading and foremost destination for wellness and medical care in Asia.

Aggressive local and overseas promotion and an improving tourism infrastructure is a priority of the Philippine government and has brought a significant boost in medical tourism in the country. Initially driven and encouraged by very competitive rates and costs of surgery in this part of the world, patients are now flying in with the desire of having surgery and rejuvenation with the added bonus of seeing and experiencing the best places these islands can offer. Tagaytay, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and Davao are just some of the more popular tourist destinations which have caught the eye of our foreign visitors and "balikbayans".

However, sometimes unknowingly, providing much leverage in the development of this relatively new industry is actually and simply the inherent qualities of being a Filipino. The Filipino physician and support staff are typically compassionate, caring, friendly and hospitable. This not only helps in making a foreign patient comfortable and relaxed but also eventually makes his trip and surgery a very pleasant experience. Aside from being generally fluent in the English language, the Filipino medical work force is competitive and of high standards as compared to their Asian neighbors.

Therefore when patients coming from abroad do decide to have elective cosmetic plastic surgeries here in the country, more often than not they get excellent value for their money. Medical and surgical expertise, world class facilities and island destinations, mastery of English, and the typical Filipino, all contribute to the Philippines rise to global competitiveness in medical tourism. Simply put and everything said nothing beats a combined quality and affordable surgery in the setting of a tropical paradise for leisure and recuperation.

New Statistics Regarding Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is not indicative of national health because it is usually used for its cosmetic purposes. In this regard, it somehow shows the economic ups and downs of the nation as it reflects how the people can afford these aesthetic procedures. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has published the statistics for plastic surgery for the year 2011.

In this report, there is about 1% increase in cosmetic surgical procedures compared to the 2010 statistics. On the other hand, the minimally invasive procedures seemed to have decreased by 2%. If we are to interpret these results, this would mean that people are now more confident on surgical procedures which have long-lasting effects than non-surgical ones.

Non-invasive treatments are also becoming in demand but there are plenty of people nowadays who want to undergo plastic surgery in order to see results that would ultimately last for a long time even if they are risking their lives in the process. There are new technologies being developed and used for performing surgeries which greatly aid in safety and success of the procedure. That could be the reason why they are becoming more confident in going under the knife.

In 2008, liposuction is the most sought-after surgery but it has been replaced by breast augmentation from 2008-2010. Getting a boob job has become a popular plastic surgery procedure that more and more individuals are having. It is no longer limited to TV personalities and celebrities; you can even name several of your acquaintances who had undergone this procedure.

There has been a 14-year ban on silicone implants. In the past, there is considerable risk in undergoing breast surgery. But the advent of technology and medical procedures has led to making cosmetic surgery more advanced. When the ban was lifted by the year 2006, more and more people trusted the use of breast implants and by 2008, it is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. In fact, there has been a new silicone implant approved by the FDA.

From the survey of plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otolaryngologists, it has been found that the top non-surgical procedure is botox. The top five surgical procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, eyelid surgery and breast lift. It has also been found out that not all botox procedures are handled personally by the doctors themselves but they also assign it to the nurses and staff they employed.

Cosmetic Surgery: It's All in the Eyes

Eyelid surgery, or to give it its medical term, blepharoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. After breast enlargement, blepharoplasty is the second most performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK according to figures issued by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

Blepharoplasty has long been popular with both men and women who wish to improve their appearance by smoothing or decreasing the accumulation of pouchy skin under the eyes, which may have grown with the passing of the years. Cosmetic surgery to the eye area can help to create a more youthful look. The removal of eye bags, and the reduction of saggy skin above the eye, can make the subject look less tired and more awake.

What you should know
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure which can be carried out above and below the eye. If targeting the area below the eye, it is often referred to as eye bag removal surgery, while above the eye, is frequently known as eyelid surgery.

But what about wrinkles and dark circles?
It's important to take into consideration that eyelid or eyebag surgery cannot assist with the reduction of dark circles around the eyes. Neither can cosmetic surgery to the eyes improve the appearance of wrinkles to the corners of the eye area, sometimes known as crow's feet. Such considerations should be factored into a patient's expectations of what can be achieved by the procedure.

Men or women who are concerned about the appearance of wrinkles around their eyes are advised to investigate what can be achieved alternatively with a brow lift or by using anti-wrinkle treatments by injection.

What's involved in cosmetic surgery to the eye area?
Eyebag or eyelid surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure which can require a general anaesthetic. However, sometimes the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, where the patient's eye area will be numbed but they will be awake throughout.

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, blepharoplasty can take from one to two hours. For example, if a patient is having surgery to the upper and lower eyelid, the duration of the operation is likely to be greater. Patients can usually expect eyelid or eyebag surgery to be performed as a day case, but it's possible that they may require an overnight stay also.

What actually happens to the skin around the eyes?
Blepharoplasty entails the removal or reduction of skin, fat and tissue around the eyes, which means the making of tiny incisions. If the cosmetic surgeon is working on the upper eyelid, the incisions will be into the natural lines and creases around the eye. In the case of the lower, the cut will be just below the eyelashes.

Either way, incisions will be made in places where the tiny amount of scarring will be hardly noticeable. Where only fat is removed it is possible to leave no visible scarring as the cut may be made to the inside of the lower eyelid.

How much recovery time is needed?
Cosmetic surgery to the eye area will cause swelling and bruising, which may take around three weeks to fade. Those considering undergoing blepharoplasty should plan for time off work during which to recover. Eyes may feel dry and itchy initially, and the surgery may also make the eyes feel tight and awkward to close when trying to sleep.

As with any other type of cosmetic surgery, the prospective patient should familiarise themselves with the risks associated with the procedure and be realistic about their expectations of what cosmetic surgery can achieve.

Hypertrophic Burn Scars - What Some Treatments For Hypertrophic Scarring?

The hypertrophic is a reoccurring scar that is very unsightly and is usually followed around by keloids. These scars are very hard to get rid of even using chemical peel and microdermabrasion methods. The blue dyed pulsed laser resurfacing procedure has been reported as being the most successful at treating the scars, especially those as a result of burns.

From steroid injections to radiotherapy and even silicone sheeting, the scars are very hard to get rid of due to their complex nature. Furthermore the hypertrophic burn scars are reoccurring and will generally reappear after a few months have passed following a treatment procedure. Sometimes the treatment also leads to not only the reappearance of the scar but also the worsening of it.

They generally appear in areas where the skin and body are in constant motion and thus preventing complete recovery from the burn. Furthermore in the event that your skin is of a darker tone, they become even harder to eradicate as the most common methods of remedying them ends up causing hypopigmentation of the skin. In general when they are alone, the scars will only be found at the traumatized point of the skin, but unfortunately most burn related hypertrophic scars also include keloids which can disperse well beyond the limits of the trauma. These keloids make the treatment of them even harder as it become more difficult to determine the exact points to perform the procedure on.

If you have hypertrophic burn scars it is important to discuss your treatment options with a certified dermatologist. The certification of the dermatologist from the board of cosmetic surgeons means that he or she is an expert in dermatology and they will have the experience to make sure you know and have all the available options that you will need for a successful repair of your hypertrophic burn scars.

Cosmetic Stem Cell Procedures

By now everybody knows the ABCs of cosmetic medicine. Whether you're hoping to improve your body's contour, enlarge your breasts, buttocks, or erase the signs of aging from your face, there are numerous ways to achieve the desired results.

The popular options involve plastic surgery and / or dermal fillers which introduce foreign substances into the patient's body and affect its immune system. All of these options have benefits and produce desired results. Each however is accompanied also by its own risks and potential complications. Each involves costs: in terms of financial expense as well as possible long term health risks.

There is however a new option available which produces the results you long for without the risks the patient has to accept with traditional cosmetic procedures. The breakthrough is provided by cosmetic procedures that utilize stem cell technology. (Not to worry, there are no embryos involved!)

What's the major difference? In conventional cosmetic procedures there are two main risks to the patient: risks related to the extent of a procedure (such as general anesthesia or scarring) and risks (and there are always risks!) caused by the use of foreign materials to enhance one's body. Most cosmetic stem cell procedures are minimally-invasive so the procedure-specific risks are practically non-existent; there is no general anesthesia or a scalpel involved. None of them involve foreign substances to which the patient may be allergic; have a negative reaction immediately or even years after the actual procedure.

All cosmetic stem cell procedures rely on the principle of autograft (also known as auto- transplant) which means that the tissue used to enlarge or plump the desired area of the patient's body is harvested from another area of the patient's own body. Consequently, there is no foreign material involved; no allergic reaction is possible; and no long term health risks or complications to be expected. (No, the autograft isn't all there is to the cosmetic stem cell procedures. As far as the patient's safety is concerned, the autograft is the reason why cosmetic stem cell treatments are not only effective but safe.)

There are two other factors that make the procedures a major breakthrough.

The technology for performing cosmetic stem cell procedures is so sophisticated and gentle that the procedures can be performed on outpatient basis, in the doctor's office. The instrument used in performing autograft is a microcannula as thin as the tip of a pen so the risk of scarring is minimal or none at all. Consequently, the recovery time is very brief; the length depends on the extent of a specific procedure. (In many cases, there is no downtime at all!)

So many women - even young, healthy and leading active lifestyles - have some localized fat pockets they wish they could get rid of; the very same women often wish to enhance other body parts, like their breasts or buttocks. With the new cosmetic stem cell procedures it is possible to remove excess fat with liposcuction; process the patient's own fat cells to separate stem cells from them; concentrate the stem cells; add the stem cell "concentrate" back to the patient's fat and then inject it into the area the patient wishes to augment. Often in only one session without the need for a general anesthesia; without the use of a scalpel; and with a minimal - or no - downtime afterwards! (The cost of cosmetic stem cell procedures is usually lower than that of their conventional counterparts.)

Cosmetic stem cell procedures (Often referred to as FAMI or Fat Autograft Muscle Injections) are the new era in body sculpting and facial rejuvenation. They achieve the results the patients hope for without the risks inherent to plastic surgery and even most of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. They are the first truly holistic, natural and safe cosmetic treatments. Without a doubt, FAMI is the future of cosmetic medicine.

Fraxel Laser Treatment - What Type is Right For You?

The popularity of Fraxel treatment continues to grow as more and more people discover how this laser technology enables skin rejuvenation and effectively treats wrinkles, frown lines, skin pigmentation, acne and surgical scars.

In this first of a series of articles, we look at two types of Fraxel treatment currently available, Fraxel Restore and Fraxel Repair and how they differ. We'll then go on to give a short overview the types of skin conditions they deal with. In future articles we will go into greater detail about how particular skin problems can be treated by Fraxel.

First of all, let me give you a potted history of Fraxel. Developed by Reliant Technologies Inc., Fraxel uses fractionated technology to treat microscopic areas of skin with a laser that uses an Intelligent Optical Tracking® system to leave the surrounding skin untouched. These untouched areas stimulate a natural healing process, helping the treated areas to heal more quickly after treatment than if a large area of skin had been treated with the laser.

Laser skin treatment is either ablative or non-ablative. Ablative uses high temperatures to vaporize unwanted tissue and take away the top layers of the skin. Although effective, it has significant side effects and patients need several weeks to recover from the treatment. Non-ablative treatment is gentler, does not take away the surface of the skin and patients therefore have few side effects and need a shorter recovery time. However numerous treatments are required even for modest improvements to the skin.

Fraxel Restore is a non-ablative laser treatment that can penetrate up to 1.5mm into the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis and the removal of lines, wrinkles, age spots, sunspots and acne scars. It also evens skin pigmentation and improves tone and texture. You will require several treatments to achieve optimal results.

Fraxel Restore takes less than 30-minutes for a facial treatment. The skin may be slightly red and swollen for a couple of days but you can usually return to routine activities the next day. Fraxel Restore can be used on any part of the body.

Fraxel Repair is a fractional ablative laser that removes small fractions of the skin and has been clinically proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne and surgical scars, lines, wrinkles and irregular pigmentation.

Fraxel Repair can be an alternative to a surgical facelift and undertaken correctly will show excellent results. Usually a single 30-minute treatment will produce significant results. You will be able to return to routine activities in seven days and although some patients may be pink for a few weeks afterwards this can be covered with make up.

This summary of the differences in Fraxel laser treatment should only be used as a guide and you should consult a doctor before undertaking any treatment.

Bullying and Plastic Surgery - Teens Pressured Into Going Under the Knife

Bullying is a major issue that schools and institutions find hard to solve. Kids who have fallen victims to bullies find ways to get away from the name-calling and plastic surgery is one of the options that most of them consider. This attracts teens as young as 13 to go under the knife to dodge the taunts in the school yard.

In the United States, statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate that there are about 219 000 procedures performed on teens in 2010. The age group is between 13 to 19 and the reasons are usually for improving their appearance to escape the bullies that attack them in their schools. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in with everyone else seem to be the driving factors.

Little Baby Face Foundation is a non-profit organization which helps children with deformities and paralysis. They have a team of skilled doctors and plastic surgeons who devote their time and expertise to help these children with surgeries that could help with the appearance and function of the afflicted body parts.

14-year old Nadia Ilse is one of the beneficiaries of the foundation who underwent a 4-hour plastic surgery operation to correct her ears. Kids in school find an issue with her ears often calling her "Dumbo". To correct that, she was flown in to New York with her mother to undergo otoplasty. The Little Baby Face Foundation founder Thomas Romo III decided to give her a nose job too. Afterwards, Nadia was very happy with her new appearance.

13-year old Nicolette Taylor is also among the teens who got a nose job after cyber bullies began mocking her about her nose. Her father does not think this is such a big deal and compared it to getting braces and a new pair of shoes in preparation for a new school year.

However, doctors operate on how "emotionally mature" the patient is before proceeding with the surgery. That could be pretty subjective and parents play a major part on advising their kids with regards with these matters.

This is how some parents see the necessity for invasive surgery for their children in order to keep them away from bullies and name-calling. Surgery to prevent bullying could be helpful but shouldn't the children be given advice how to stand up for themselves and accept their features? The debate is still going on and everyone has something to say.

How to Afford Elective Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery most often falls into the category of procedures that insurance companies deem as non-essential or "elective". This means that the surgery is not being done to deal with a life threatening disease or other critical medical need. For this reason most medical insurance policies will not pay for cosmetic surgery procedures. This then leads to the question- how do most people afford cosmetic surgery?

Some who choose to do cosmetic surgery are the elite and wealthy such as Hollywood movie stars and these type of clientele will most likely simply pay cash for their chosen procedure. But, many average middle class people would like to have a cosmetic surgical procedure done for one reason or another. Surgery of any kind is most often not cheap despite the fact that there has been technological innovation, growing competition and growth in the cosmetic surgery industry which has lead to substantial cost reduction for some procedures. So, what are the options available to pay for a chosen cosmetic surgical procedure?

Option one would be to save money and when ready pay cash to the physician for the procedure. The advantage of cash is that many physicians will negotiate the price with you if they know they are going to get a single lump sum payment from you. Cash is always king and don't ever forgo at least attempting to negotiate a lower price if you are going to offer a cash payment. Option two is to make use of many financing options that are now available for many medical procedures. Medical finance is a growing business segment and is truly opening up the option for many people to have procedures done that would have previously been unaffordable to them. Basically two finance options exist- some doctors who operate large practices will offer their own financing to the patient. The second method is to make use of an outside finance company that specializes in medical loans that works with the doctor's practice and has a variety of payment plans available for each given procedure.

Medical finance involves all the same rules that would apply to any other type of major purchase such as an automobile. You will want to be careful to understand what the annual interest rate is that you will be charged, the total number of payments that will be due and what each monthly payment amount will be. Like any other service you should shop around and try and get the best interest rate and payment plan available to you. The criteria for receiving a medical loan will be just like any other loan- your credit score and previous loan repayment history will be used to qualify you for a total loan amount and for a particular interest rate. The better your credit score, the better loan terms you will be able to negotiate.

Medical financing is a viable option that makes many elective surgical procedures that were previously unattainable to many people now available to a much wider client base.

Risks and Benefits of Plastic Surgery

Despite the slow economy in the United States, more Americans than ever are having plastic surgery. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) over 13 million procedures were performed last year. That's up by 5%.

The most common surgeries are breast augmentation at 318,123, liposuction at 289,016, and blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery at 152,123.

So why is plastic and cosmetic surgery so much in demand and what risks are people taking to get it?

The most obvious reason is that people want to look good and looking younger always helps in looking good. Plastic surgery boosts self-confidence. Not only do a person's looks improve but he or she improves their attitude about themselves. Employers are more likely to hire them and others to find them attractive. If a person is overweight as well, weight loss surgery can help regain their youthful slimness faster and more permanently than dieting alone.

In today's culture aging has no credibility at all. When so many multi-millionaires in Silicon Valley are under 30, getting older doesn't even mean getting wiser, or more prosperous. In a recent study published by ASAPS people who had cosmetic surgery had no problems being identified by college students as 10 years younger than their actual age.

However, even with today's technological advances, plastic surgery is still no cake walk. It is surgery and that carries automatic risks, such as:

• blood clots


• excessive or unexpected bleeding


• infection


• tissue death


• paralysis


• loss or change of sensation


• incomplete healing


• anesthesia malfunction


• pneumonia


• secondary surgeries


• no satisfaction with results


• nerve damage


• obsession with more surgeries


• high debt or bankruptcy due to cost

The last one should not be discounted. Though cosmetic surgery may be popular, a typical face lift costs between $4,000-$10,000 and a breast lift, between $3,000-$6,000 in the U.S. Unless it is associated with an accident or illness most employer insurance does not cover plastic surgery. Even countries that have government health insurance do not cover plastic surgery that is for cosmetic reasons only.

Saving on plastic surgery costs in Mexico

One way to cut costs considerably is to travel to Mexico. Places like Tijuana, Mexicali, Ciudad Juarez and Puerto Vallarta are very easy to reach from the U.S. and welcome foreign patients.

Bad news has been reported about charlatans in Mexico promising miracle cures, or offering unbelievably low prices. However, Mexico also has very professional, highly competent hospitals and doctors that can match the quality and standards of any in the U.S. Many are affiliated with American hospitals.

Plastic surgery costs performed by highly proficient surgeons, in clean and modern hospitals, with the state-of-the-art equipment can still come to as much as 90% lower than the cost of cosmetic surgery in the U.S. In many cases the hospitals will arrange pickup and delivery of patients from and to the border as well as airports or other transportation sites. Comfortable resort areas for recovery -- away from violent or dangerous areas -- can also be part of the package deal.

For those who believe they deserve to look as good as they feel -- and have checked out the risks with their own doctors -- travel to Mexico can make plastic surgery financially worth the effort.

How Eye Cosmetic Surgery Can Make You Look Young and Beautiful

Doctors are of the opinion that one of the first areas of the face to exhibit signs of aging is around the eyes. Under-eye bags and sagging upper eyelids that come with age can be corrected through eye cosmetic surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. This relatively minor eye cosmetic surgery can refresh the appearance of the face and leave it looking years younger.

Blepharoplasty - Eye cosmetic surgery improves the appearance of tired and droopy eyes. This surgery removes excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids. There are many patients who combine this surgery with other procedure like brow lift and treatment of crow's feet.

Right Candidate - It is best suited for patients who are in good physical health. Although mostly people undergo eyelid surgery are older than 35 years but there are many more who have inherited droopy eyelids. It is also a mean to improve vision obstructed by drooping lids. People suffering from insufficient tear production, high blood pressure, diabetes, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, or thyroid disease are not suited for this type of cosmetic makeover.

Cost and Financing - The cost of this treatment usually varies from one location to other, but prices also depend on the cost of living. There are many eye cosmetic surgeons who help the patients cover the cost of the surgery.

How to prepare - A certain degree of nervousness can be felt before undergoing this operation. Doctors are of the view that it is absolutely normal to feel nervous before the operation.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery - Eye Cosmetic surgery is performed using traditional or laser surgery techniques on either the upper or lower lid, or on both lids. The goal for the upper eyelid surgery is to lift the lid by removing excess skin. The excess skin and fatty deposits are removed to eliminate the bag under the eye during lower eyelid operation.

Asian Eyelid Surgery - This is a form of plastic surgery that has become popular to counter a common condition: lack of fold in the upper eyelid. This trait is usually visible in about 50 percent of people of East Asian descent. Lack of a fold in the upper eyelid makes the eye look small and droopy.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery - Most often ointment is prescribed and also bandages are applied to protect the eyes. The head should remain elevated. Most people can return to work after 10 days of the surgery.

Risks and Benefits - Like the various kinds of cosmetic surgeries, this one also have its own risks and benefits. The complications include such asswelling, infection, and bleeding. The benefit of this surgery is that your eyesight becomes more efficient and powerful.

Results - The results are usually long-lasting and very satisfying. If the surgeon's instructions are followed for recovery, this surgery can be successful and fulfilling procedure.

Surgery for men - Although it is a very common surgery for women, but its popularity is growing readily among men as well. It offers the same benefits to men as it does to women - improved sight, the appearance of bigger eyes, and elimination of unsightly bags.

As this form of cosmetic surgery is of great importance, it is very vital that the right surgeon from this field is chosen for this work.

The Brazilian Butt Lift - New Plastic Surgery

Its name may conjure up images of a trendy workout DVD, but the Brazilian butt lift is a legitimate plastic surgery procedure that is gaining ground as more and more women want to enhance the appeal of their backside. The worldwide media exposure of such fortunately endowed women as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and even Pippa Middleton has led many women to believe that their appearance in this area of the body could stand to be improved. As with nearly every aspect of your aesthetic appearance, there is something modern medicine can do to help. Here's a look at this new, popular procedure.

Goals

The Brazilian butt lift, properly known as a gluteal augmentation, is designed to improve the shape and aesthetics of the buttocks. Although this area may be primarily comprised of muscle, its shape is more commonly defined by the fat packed back there. This is where many women struggle with improving its appearance on their own. If you simply try to eat more in an attempt to put more fat in a specific place, you're as unlikely to succeed as you would if you tried to lose weight from a specific area. Surgery can accomplish what genetics cannot, using liposuction to remove fat from one area and grafting (injections) to put it where you want it.

The Procedure

The Brazilian butt lift provides a woman with two surgeries at once. The first step in the procedure is to harvest the fat necessary to get the right amount needed for augmentation. This means liposuction, and the doctor will have his or her choice of areas from which to remove the needed tissue. Doctors will often prefer to take the fat from the upper thighs or lower midsection for two reasons. One, it is often where women most desperately want it removed, and two, it will aid the final aesthetic by providing the greatest contrast in size. The second step is to inject the harvested fat into the gluteal region, doing so in a way that maximizes curvature while emphasizing the illusion of a lift.

Recovery

Following the procedure, which typically takes around two hours to complete, the patient will be closed up and fitted with compressive garments. One benefit to the Brazilian butt lift is that it is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you get to go home immediately after the surgery is finished. Patients are instructed to limit their sitting time for the first couple of weeks, and can usually return to work within that time frame.

Skin Tightening - How Laser Treatments Firm Your Face and Stomach

Loose sagging skin on our face, stomach, arms and other areas is very distressing to many of us. Loose skin or integument (integument - medical term for skin) makes us look old and out of shape, no matter how hard we work out and try to stay fit. In the past, effective skin tightening required plastic surgical procedures like face lift and tummy tuck. However, in the past few years, many new non-surgical and laser skin tightening methods have been developed. The new skin tightening technology has been steadily getting better as the machines improve and as doctors learn how to maximize the results achieved.

Today, often using a combination of different methods, substantial skin tightening can be achieved without surgery, a very different situation than just 3-4 years ago when Thermage, Titan, Refirme, and LuxIR Deep were introduced. There are many skin tightening advertisements that can be misleading, so you really need to be an informed consumer and understand the technology if you are going to achieve the result that you desire. Below I will explain how the new skin tightening technology works and which methods are the best.

How Non-surgical Skin Tightening Works

Tight, firm skin requires good elasticity. Elasticity means the ability of the skin or integument to snap back or tighten after it has been displaced or pulled away from the body. Good elasticity depends on healthy collagen and elastin fibers that lie very deep, near the bottom of the dermis, the deep layer of our integument below the surface. Collagen and elastin fibers act like small rubber bands that hold the integument tight against our body, and pull the loose tissue back when it is stretched or pulled.

Aging, sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, stress, excessive alcohol intake and an unhealthy diet and lifestyle all destroy collagen and elastin in the dermis and cause the integument to loosen and sag. Stretching caused by pregnancy or rapid weight loss after dieting or gastric bypass surgery also destroys collagen and elastin in the dermis and results in sagging and loss of tone.

All laser and non-surgical skin tightening methods work by stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin in the dermis. When you heat collagen and elastin to 66 degrees centigrade, the collagen and elastin fibers shrink or tighten, and are remodeled with new collagen and elastin formation. The effect of this skin tightening and new collagen and elastin formation is that the deep dermis contracts and becomes firmer and the loose tissue is tightened.

The elastin and collagen lie very deep in the dermis, and the major challenge is to get enough heat deep down in the dermis to remodel elastin and collagen without burning the surface of the integument as the heat passes through the more superficial layers.

This has been accomplished by using very effective cooling devices that cool the surface while the heat energy is passed through the surface on its way to the deep dermis. Machines that have this ability are the Palomar LuxIR Deep, Thermage, titan and Refirme to name a few.

A newer method applies heat to the deep layers from underneath. New laser liposuction technology like SlimLipo uses a small laser cannula placed beneath the integument to melt fat. The heat also causes contraction and firming of the overlying loose tissue. This technique has been very effective for the tummy and neck or double chin.

Laser Skin Tightening

Old time CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing did effectively tighten loose tissue. However, recovery was very difficult with lengthy healing time, prolonged redness and hypo pigmentation or loss of color after the procedure. These techniques are no longer widely practiced.

New fractional laser resurfacing techniques are a great improvement. By fractionating or breaking up the laser into many small beams, untreated areas are left to speed healing and complications are less common. The new fractional resurfacing techniques also can go deeper into the dermis to firm up the deeper collagen and elastin layers. Fractional laser resurfacing machines include the Starlux 1540 and 2940, Fraxel, ActiveFX, DeepFX, Profractional, and Affirm machines.

These skin tightening techniques can be used on and are most effective on the face. Because integument healing is required, these fractional resurfacing techniques are less effective in other areas such as the neck, stomach, and arms.

Lasers are not the treatment of choice for sagging and laxity of the neck, abdomen and arms. These areas require more heat energy that can only be delivered by infrared and radiofrequency machines.

Infrared and Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

The most effective surface applied skin tightening machines today use either radiofrequency or infrared heat energy to firm loose and sagging tissue on the neck, arms and tummy. These machines have sophisticated cooling hand pieces to prevent burn injury.

These machines can penetrate deeply into the dermis, down to 2000 microns where the elastin fibers are most plentiful. These deep treatments are necessary for maximum firming and skin tightening. Commonly available machines are Palomar's LuxIR Deep, Thermage, Titan, and Refirme among many others.

Understand that 4 treatments are usually required for the best result with most machines. New collagen and elastin production will not occur until 6 months after your last treatment, so it takes time to see your final result.

In my opinion, the best results are about a 20-30% improvement. Even better results are possible with higher energies using the LuxIR Deep which has superb new cooling system which allows us to more than double the energy we are using. The new LuxIR Deep cooling with increased energy delivery also shortens the duration of treatments.

Still, infrared and radiofrequency machines cannot yet achieve the same results that I can achieve with a face lift, tummy tuck, or arm lift.

Laser Liposuction

Recently, new laser liposuction technology called SlimLipo has produced remarkable firming of the loose integument and fat during the fat dissolving process. Because the SlimLipo laser fiber is placed beneath the integument, the laser beam has closer and more direct access to the subcutaneous elastin fibers.

Laser liposuction has been used successfully to firm the loose tummy, loose arm, loose neck, and to firm the hips and thighs. This new laser liposuction method will be a very important in years to come.

Which Skin Tightening Method Is Best For You?

Your choice of a firming method will depend on how much loose skin you have and where the loose skin is located. If you have wrinkles, sun damage and mild laxity around the cheeks and mouth, then fractional laser skin resurfacing with combined Starlux 1540 and 2940 lasers are your best option.

If you have good skin, and mild to moderate skin laxity of your cheeks, neck, abdomen or arms, the Infrared or radiofrequency skin tightening will give you a 20-30 % result. I use the LuxIR Deep skin infrared skin tightening machine made by Palomar.

If you have both fat and loose skin on your tummy, arms, neck, double chin, hips or thighs, then laser liposuction is your best choice for skin tightening. I use the SlimLipo laser liposuction machine made by Palomar.

How To Find A Doctor

Board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are the laser experts, but all board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are not experienced in lasers.

Therefore, you will have to do your homework and inquire of the doctors if they are experienced with lasers and laser surgery. It is very important to consult an expert. Although the nurse or medical aesthetician may do the infrared or radiofrequency integument firming, the doctor who supervises the treatment must understand lasers and light technology. Laser liposuction and laser resurfacing must be done by an experienced physician.

Today there are many non plastic surgeons and dermatologists who advertise laser and light services who are not experts at these techniques. You really need to ask the right questions and investigate. These new technologies can be dangerous and harmful in inexperienced hands.

Good places to look are the websites of the following organizations:

American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)

Visit these websites and search for board certified plastic surgeons in your area. Visit their websites and see if the doctor offers laser and non-surgical skin firming treatments. Consult at least two doctors and ask to see photos of results on their own patients. Do not seek skin firming treatments in medical spas that do not have a board certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist, experienced in laser surgery, present on site.

What You Must Know About Camouflage Makeup And Chemical Skin Peel

Admit it or not, you have skin blemishes you wish to get rid of. It can be in the form of scar, birthmarks, or acne marks. If you are troubled with these flaws, cosmetic professionals may give you the flawless skin you have been dreaming of. Camouflage makeup and chemical skin peel are two treatments you may try. Read on to know more about these cosmetic procedures.

Camouflage Makeup

This is a type of makeup concealing several skin imperfections mostly on the face. It also helps in managing skin discoloration on visible parts of the body and even tattoos and bruises. This type of makeup hides imperfections perfectly to attain natural look. It provides solution to people troubled with unwanted birthmarks, surface scars, surgical discolorations, dark eye circle, acne blemishes, age spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and freckles. They also help people with conditions such as varicose veins, psoriasis, vitiligo, cleft palate, and different craniofacial conditions.

Most camouflage cosmetics are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and non-greasy, making them suitable for almost any skin types. These items are also water and smudge resistant and offer long-lasting effect. They also come with natural shade selection to match the skin tone of the user.

Many skin and cosmetic centers today offer camouflage makeup. The price usually depends on the part and size and the number of blemishes you want to apply the makeup on.

Chemical Skin Peel

Chemical peel is another common solution for people with less than perfect skin. It is a type of cosmetic treatment that enhances and smoothens the facial skin texture. It uses a chemical solution to shed off the layer of dead skin cells, thus the term "peeling."

The peeling may solve various skin problems such as age spots, acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles. It may also aid in healing cancerous and pre-cancerous growths on the skin. As the old skin cells are peeled off, it will reveal a fresher and younger-looking skin.

Various types of skin peel are applied depending on your skin type, and the type of result you want. In some cases, there are combinations of chemicals to address specific types of blemishes.

One of the most common is lactic acid peel. This type is safe to use for almost all skin types. This is the perfect choice if you want gentle exfoliation. Salicylic peel, on the other hand, functions by decongesting oil while improving collagen synthesis for a fresh and clean skin. If you have dull skin, the glycolic peel is the best solution. It rapidly exfoliates your skin leaving a smooth complexion. Another option is enzyme peel. This is the best pick if you want a more natural way to enhance your skin's exfoliation process. It uses fruit acids to get rid of dead skin cells effectively.

Many cosmetic professionals specialize in providing these treatments. Make sure to choose a licensed and experienced professional if you are going for these options. These treatments are safe for the most part, but it pays to be extra careful when choosing a clinic. Search online for qualified practitioners offering camouflage cosmetic services or chemical skin peel.

Plastic Surgery For Gynecomastia In Men

People do not often talk about the embarrassment and shame men feel when they have body issues. There are lots of reasons a man may feel that way about his body. Some reasons may even be in his control, such as diet and exercise. However, some problems are not in his control. A not uncommon problem called gynecomastia, in which male breasts grow abnormally, affects more men, than people realize. This is most common in teen boys and often resolves itself. Plastic surgery may be a good treatment option for cases that do not go away on their own.

Usually, this is not a serious medical problem, but male breasts can sometimes be painful in addition to embarrassing. Some common causes for male breasts are low levels of testosterone as a male grows older, increase in body fat, and an increase in estrogen. Prescription medications for cancer, AIDS, anxiety, depression, and heart problems can also have this adverse effect. Some other drugs like alcohol, marijuana, amphetamines, and heroin can also cause this in men. In some cases it may be suggested that you stop taking the all drugs. Of course if you are on a prescription, you will need your physician's guidance. If you are using a drug that causes gynecomastia, you are not a good candidate for plastic surgery.

In some cases you may just have excess body fat causing the growth. If this is your issue then you would see positive results from proper diet and exercise. Gynecomastia will not respond to diet and exercise. If you are a healthy weight and your breasts have not continued to get larger, you might be a candidate for a surgical procedure. A good candidate would also have firm skin that will hug the contours of your chest after the procedure. In teens it is best to wait until they have had the problem at least two years. In some cases a follow-up surgery may be necessary.

A consultation appointment may be embarrassing, but you must be candid. There will be a need to measure the fatty tissue, take before, and gather a medical history. The doctor may also need to run other tests to see if you are secreting hormones responsible for large breasts in men.

Of course, there are risks to this and all surgical procedures. Your surgeon will go over them, but here are a few: swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, anesthesia risk, pain, skin discoloration, and changes in breast or nipple sensation. Sometimes liposuction is done in conjunction with this surgery. The risks of liposuction are similar.

Male breast reduction is often done in the same office as the initial consultation. Sometimes an overnight stay is suggested, but usually this is not the case. You will be given anesthesia, and your surgeon will discuss the options so you can choose what is right for you. When the surgery is over, the results will be immediately noticeable and usually improve over time. Swelling will go down, scarring will fade, and so will the embarrassment.

The Dangers of Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong

Plastic surgery information is sometimes contradicting and inaccurate. Some people would claim that the procedure is safe while some have stories to tell regarding real plastic surgery gone wrong. Is the idea of it going wrong really fact or fiction?

Plastic Surgery

Some life instances would require people to go into reconstructive surgery in order to save their lives and to restore damaged bodily functions. Even such a critical procedure however requires patient consent. Since cosmetic surgery is not a matter of life and death, it is generally more elective than reconstructive surgery and has been the subject of a lot of sites on procedures that have gone wrong. Perhaps more and more people are wondering why others volunteer to put their bodies in danger.

Modern plastic surgeons and plastic surgery practitioners may tell you that today's latest innovations on the field present almost zero risk. Numerous capable practitioners really do great jobs that generally satisfy patients. It is still a fact however that pictures of such still circulate online. It is also a fact that there are actually law firms that specialize in bad plastic surgery. What does this tell you? If some lawyers see this as a lucrative area to set their sights on then cases of such must therefore be a reality. The figures say too that one in four people have had some bad surgical reaction or experience.

What Can Go Wrong

In any case, let's assume that plastic surgery is, indeed, safe. Granting that bad surgery cases are rare and isolated, you would still be most unfortunate if you became the rare recipient of incorrect procedures.

It cannot be denied that possible risks are damaging to the individual. In minor cases you may just have to bear prolonged bruising or swelling. More serious problems however can also happen which may just include some of the following:

- Leakage or hardening of implants

- Reactions to medicine or anesthesia

- Slippage of implants

- Drooping, disproportionate or asymmetrical breasts

- Extensive scarring and possibly disfigurement

- Too much skin removed

- Death

- Nerve, tissue, muscle or organ damage

What Happens After

Naturally, a bad procedure can lead to other things such as more medical bills and more work absences. You might also have to run after the doctor responsible for such procedure and the legal battle could be inconvenient, costly and long. The worst thing that could happen is that you might end up looking worse than before the surgery and your new look could be permanent. Although the physical pain may eventually diminish, the emotional pain can drag on for a long time.

What You Can Do

Try natural methods before going into plastic surgery. Try the natural way of trying to get a better appearance and resort only to surgery if all else fails.

Trust only a certified plastic surgeon. A certification is the best way to ensure that your doctor has had the necessary number of years of training and has passed the required exams.

Using Deep Wrinkle Cream - Results of a Face Lift Without Actually Getting a Face Lift!

Did you know that you can achieve the same results with a deep wrinkle cream as you could with a face lift or botox? "Maybe. But the results aren't as fast?" Do you think that's really the undisputed truth? Or, do you just believe that because someone told you? Well, in complete honesty, an iced anti wrinkle cream will not only produce results just as fast as a face lift, if not faster, but those results will also be 10 times better than either a face lift or a botox injection!

3 Reasons Why A Deep Wrinkle Cream Or Iced Anti Wrinkle Cream is Better!

1. Cheaper

When was the last time you had to drop a few thousand dollars on a cosmetic facial cream? Has deep wrinkle cream ever cost that much? The answer, NO!

Face lifts, and botox injections, can cost you thousands of dollars, while the use of a wrinkle cream will cost you but a small fraction of that per year! Combine that with the fact that you need more than 1 botox injection or face lift (per year) to maintain your wrinkle-free face, and you've got one heck of a large expenditure. Same results, but treatment one costs more than the other. Which option does the smart person choose?

2. No Pain Or Discomfort

No matter what you want to call it, cosmetic surgery is in fact SURGERY! Don't expect a painless and extremely comfortable experience, it won't be. Not only can there be a large amount of discomfort, but some people must actually take painkillers after the procedure. On the other hand, what pain is involved with applying a deep wrinkle cream? You apply it to your skin each night and you're done. No pain, no discomfort, just a quick application and you've got wrinkle-free skin. Boy-oh-boy, what a tough call this is turning out to be.

3. Longer Lasting Effects

Botox injections and face lifts are not everlasting. They won't keep your skin wrinkle free forever, nor will they protect your face from skin damage brought on by wrinkles, finelines, and crows feet. However, as long as you continue to use a deep wrinkle cream, the wrinkles will stay away and your face will remain beautiful and seemingly decades younger.

One of these treatments has all the benefits and none of the risks, while the other is not only expensive, it's uncomfortable and non-permanent. A blind man could see why deep wrinkle cream is, and will always be, better.

How to Remove Pigmentation Marks on the Face Safely Using Natural Ingredients

Pigmentation marks on the face is considered by many as a problem because it can be unsightly. The causes of this skin disorder include the body's too much or too little production of melanin, sun damage, drug reactions and genetic factors.

Melanin is the primary determinant of skin color, so its abnormal production will really affect the skin color.

There are many available treatment options if you want to rid your face of these unsightly pigmentation marks. There are cosmetic procedures, including glycolic acid peels, and the use of topical steroid creams is also suggested.

But, the cosmetic option is quite expensive and painful as well, while we cannot be sure about skin creams because some may contain ingredients that can harm our skin, instead of treating it. Some of the ingredients that have been found to be harmful include hydroquinone and alpha-hydroxy.

Hydroquinone, which is commonly used as a fragrance ingredient and an antioxidant, receives the highest hazard score of 10 in the Cosmetic Safety Database because it has been found in some studies to be a human immune system toxicant.

So, it is important for you to do your own research about skin care products before buying one to ensure that you will not be buying the wrong product that may aggravate your skin problem instead of treating it.

Fortunately, to achieve an even skin tone by getting rid of pigmentation marks on the face; you can use a natural whitening cream that boasts potent natural ingredients.

One of these is an extract of Extrapone Nutgrass, which is capable of naturally inhibiting melanin by about 40% based on results from clinical trials. It has also been found to contain anti-aging properties and to reduce freckles.

Another is a bioactive keratin that helps in stimulating the regrowth of the skin proteins collagen and elastin to keep your skin firm and elastic. Although this does not directly address the skin pigmentation problem, it can help in keeping the skin healthy and younger-looking. Additionally, it effectively moisturizes the skin because of its ability to deeply penetrate the skin.

There are also natural oils and extracts that can aid the skin in treating pigmentation and other problems on the face, which include Maracuja, Babassu and Grapeseed Oil. These ingredients are capable of moisturizing the face and giving it radiance.

To find out more about ways of eliminating pigmentation marks on the face, please visit my website.

Cosmetic Surgery Can Remove Ugly Scars and Tattoos That You've Outgrown

Whether you want to remove those old, and now inappropriate, tattoos you got done in a high-spirited moment of your youth or just want to remove an ugly scar on your body, cosmetic surgery has solutions for you.

Although they are a part of your body's natural healing process, ugly scars left by a wound that has healed can mar your appearance and lower your confidence in social situations. Tattoos, on the other hand, are something you thought looked cool at another time in your life and are proving embarrassing now that you've outgrown that phase.

Tattoo Removal With Cosmetic Surgery

Is that tattoo that sports the name of your first crush now looking a little worse for wear or creating trouble with the woman in your life? Then it's probably time to get rid of it. Tattoos that we got in the wild days of our youth can begin to look somewhat inappropriate as we grow up, get a job and start getting a bit wrinkled. At some point in our life we may regret getting them and wonder how to get rid of them short of cutting off a limb.

Well, aging hippies now have recourse to laser skin resurfacing and other cosmetic surgery techniques that will diminish tattoos. While they cannot remove the pattern altogether, they can reduce it to an acceptable level and make them much less visible.

Scar Removal With Cosmetic Surgery

Scars are much more serious issues because they are not intentional and can wreak havoc on a person's self-esteem. If you've got ugly scars from an accident or injury in your youth and have always wished you could get rid of them, cosmetic surgery now has the solutions you wished you always had.

Although they cannot be removed 100 percent, they can be greatly reduced to a point where they are barely visible, depending on the scar. One technique used for scar removal is the injection of steroids into the affected area. For scars on the face, a technique known as dermabrasion is used that removes the surface layers of the skin using a specialized tool.

Another common technique used by cosmetic surgeons is to cut out the scar tissue and sew up the wound with small stitches to allow it to heal properly. With extreme care and new techniques to promote optimal recovery, the new scar formed will be much less visible than the first. Another technique used is to reposition or move the scar to a location where it will be hidden, such as in a natural fold of the skin.

Some surgeons use methods like skin grafting or flapping to reduce the visibility of the scar. The disadvantage with this technique is that the color and texture of the graft may not exactly match that of the host skin so it may not look as you want it to or may have to use makeup to blend it in with the surrounding skin.

Anesthetic Techniques Used for Tattoo and Scar Removal

While tattoo removal is generally performed in a plastic surgeon's office under local anesthesia, scar removal surgery can be more invasive and may require general anesthesia performed in a hospital or in the operation theatre of your surgeon's practice. Make sure a procedure that requires general anesthesia is performed in an operating room equipped with all the emergency equipment, should you have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Also ensure that you take use due diligence in choosing a surgeon who is certified as a plastic surgeon and has the experience to handle your procedure and any complications that may ensure. Follow all of your surgeon's post-op instructions carefully to make sure your recovery and healing is free of complications and you get the results you desire.

There Is Always A Chance Of Plastic Surgery Going Wrong

Everyone wants to look beautiful either through makeup, attractive dresses, jewelry or by changing their hairstyles. While these are the most common methods to look beautiful, sometimes wrinkles, scars and some physical abnormalities hampers all these beautifying methods.

This is when people turn to plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery to improve their looks. It is a fact that the latest surgical methods and innovations in the field can lead to a zero risk surgery. However it is also a fact that there are various pictures circulated online about plastic surgery gone wrong. Moreover the fact that there are so many law firms that specialize in bad ic surgery, there is always a chance of the surgery going wrong.

Possible surgical complications

There are various plastic surgery options one can use to look young. Instead of surgery, some people prefer injecting the chemical Botox into their face to help prevent winkles. However though this just involves an injection, there is a chance of its results being disastrous.

There are some people who are allergic to Botox; and this allergy can manifest itself into problems like skin discoloration, rashes or even more saggy or puffy skin later on.

Some people resort to plastic surgery to reshape their nose, but only end up with having either too much of skin removed, or having their nose cut the wrong way. Those who resort to lip injections to get plump lips end up with even overly plump lips with an unnatural look.

People who resort to laser surgery to remove scars, tattoos and hair face the risk of killing their hair strands and burning skin when the laser shoots their body.

Increased expenses

On the whole, minor cases of cosmetic procedures going wrong leads to some bruising and swelling. This is something that can be tolerated as it heals after some time. However there are also some serious problems that may arise if plastic surgery goes wrong like leakage, hardening or slippage of implants, reactions to medication or anesthesia, removal of excess skin and damage to some nerve, tissue, organ or muscle.

There is also a chance of the patient developing asymmetrical, drooping or disproportionate breasts after the surgery or undergoing too much of scarring and possible disfigurement. In the worst cases; the patient may also die as a consequence of the surgery.

Besides all these physical problems, once a plastic surgery goes wrong, there are the increased medical bills you have to bear, and the more work absenteeism you face. To compensate for all these mistakes done, you can always sue the doctor. However once again, you have to be ready to spend time and money running and fighting the legal battle that is inconvenient, expensive and a long procedure.

Emotional and psychological effects

Anything can happen if the surgery is not performed right. With it are not only the physical ramifications that you have to bear, but also the many psychological or emotional ones you have to undergo. People generally perform these surgeries to look better, to remove scars and perhaps to make their unequal or asymmetrical breast equal and symmetrical.

However once plastic surgery goes wrong, they look worse than they did before the surgery. This leads to a drop in the person's self-esteem, which in turn may make it even more difficult to face society. Moreover, this new, worse look of yours will mostly be permanent. So even if all the bruising, pain, bleeding and swelling may recede and heal with time, the emotional pain, your new ugly look and physical scars will last forever.

So the best thing to avoid all this if plastic surgery goes wrong is not to perform the procedure, especially if you are doing it on a voluntary basis and not because you need one after an accident or cancer. Try to look better with the help of natural means, and use plastic surgery only if nothing else seems to work.

Moreover, have your surgery performed by a certified plastic surgeon so that you are sure your doctor is qualified to perform the plastic surgery you plan to have done. Remember that the instances mentioned above are only a few of the possible consequences that may occur if plastic surgery goes wrong.

Not only the layman, even celebrities face the chance of a plastic surgery gone wrong. To find out more, just click on the link below.

Cosmetic Dentistry - What is it All About?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that mainly deals with the aesthetic aspect of the face. It employs various dental techniques to improve the appearance of the teeth and give you a beautiful smile. It is becoming more sought after these days. Millions of people across the globe undergo cosmetic dental procedures on a regular basis.

Cosmetic dentistry is different from normal dentistry as its main emphasis is on beauty. General dentistry deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various conditions that can affect our teeth to function properly. Conversely, cosmetic dentistry deals mainly with external appearance. Nevertheless, there can also be improvement in functionality of the teeth after performing cosmetic procedures, but this is not the main goal.

Many in the field of dentistry do not consider cosmetic procedures as a separate field of dentistry. For example, professional organizations such as the American Dental Association do not view cosmetic procedures as a separate field. Dental colleges also do not offer separate specialization degrees in cosmetic dentistry. However, cosmetic dentistry is just an amalgam of various dental techniques aimed at making the person more beautiful. It is not a separate field.

Cosmetic dental procedures are usually very costly. They can cost anywhere from thousands to several hundred-thousand dollars. The cost will depend on the condition that is being treated, the fees charged by the dentist, material costs and other overhead costs. One of today's major disadvantages is insurance companies do not provide coverage for cosmetic procedures. You have to pay all the fees on your own.

There are also certain ethical questions that arise with cosmetic dentistry. Not everyone in even advanced countries is able to afford basic quality healthcare and we are not even talking about the Third World countries as it's is even worse there. But if taken into consideration, is it really justifiable to spend thousands of dollars on improving just the superficial appearance?

Whether to go for cosmetic dental procedures or not will depend on your personal choice. If you believe it is justifiable to spend money to make you more beautiful then cosmetic dental procedures are always an option.

Warnings Your Dermatologist Won't Give You

In my mom's day they didn't know from antioxidant skin care products. When people got wrinkled they had face lifts if they could afford it. Then along came cosmetic dermatology and savvy young doctors were jumping on the bandwagon. It seemed an easier, cleaner way to make zillions of dollars compared to the blood, gore and lawsuits plastic surgeons had to endure.

These new cowboy dermatologists weren't about to tell patients about getting rid of free radicals the easy and inexpensive way, with effective antioxidant skin care products. Surely they learned about free radical in their medical training. They naturally preferred to come up with exotic torture treatments that had to be repeated again and again. After all, they could charge exorbitant fees. It's understandable.

When my mom had dermabrasion back in the old days she was never warned she would likely develop large pores as time went by. She was told to be careful of the sun, but in a very offhand way. almost as an aside. Having the skin sanded off so new baby skin can come in leaves you totally vulnerable to the sun.

Mom should have been warned to stay in a dark cave for a year. She's been paying the price for a long time, with basal cell carcinomas popping out on her big pores like a teenager breaking out in pimples.

In all fairness, they didn't have amazing antioxidant skin care products then. Science has come a long way so I shouldn't feel so bitter. I'm just sad my mother had to suffer.

Even back then she had to sign a release absolving the dermatologist of all responsibility should anything go wrong during the dermabration. But they shoved the document under her nose moments before she was to have her procedure. She didn't have time to read it and they knew it. Of course she signed it.

This is still happening today with the different laser beauty treatments and mini face peels available. I understand dermatologists are still having one of their underlings shove that paper past you at the last moment. They don't warn you that you could die, or get burned and maimed for life. But hey, the good doctors have to make a living.

At some point mom also had her face shot full of fillers that were later taken off the market for being dangerous. Of course her dermatologist never warned her of any impending problems. How could she have known the stuff would travel and settle in unwanted places? It's tragic.

For my money, I'd rather take care of my aversion to aging without risking my life or my looks. I've learned that the right antioxidant skin care products are worth pure gold. New breakthroughs made by a New Zealand company are literally taking years off my face and body. It's a very sexy feeling to be smooth again.

Of course you'll never hear about this company from your dermatologist. Many dermatologists are busy raking in the dough by selling you their own concoctions. But does your specialist warn you about chemicals in the products? I'm willing to bet not.

And does your beauty doctor explain that just a pinch of something good is not enough? My lotion does not contain any chemicals. And it is overflowing with ultra generous amounts of the precious ingredients that go into it. This company doesn't stint when it comes to their antioxidant skin care products. How do I know? Because of the results I'm getting.

Here are the important ingredients in my chemical free beauty lotion.

Cynergy TK(TM). A protein-like keratin that makes you look like you have brand new baby skin.

Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10. A form of CoenzymeQ10 that penetrates seven layers down. It makes a meal of the free radicals trying to rob of you of your youth and health.

Phytessence Wakame. Made from Japanese sea kelp to protect your precious hyaluronic acid.

I get to use my beauty cream with abandon. Without having to sign my life away.

Steps A Dentist Uses For Cosmetic Procedures

Steps A Good Dentist Uses For Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are looking for a Bend dentist to perform cosmetic dentistry, there are many good doctors to choose from. If you are looking at having dental implants, it may put your mind at ease to prepare for and understand the steps for this procedures.

Dental implants are used when a tooth needs to be replaced to prevent bone loss in the jaw. This procedure also includes replacing missing roots in the tooth which provide solid strength so the patient will not experience trouble chewing later on.

The first step to dental implants is a consultation and treatment plan. There is usually a full examination of your teeth and gums, and based on the current health of your mouth, and your commitment to the continuing care instructions, you and your doctor will discuss the best treatment care for you.

There are times when the procedure may take place in the initial appointment. However, there may be instances where there could be a series of procedures to complete, and then a healing time allowed before placing the restoration. The will discuss how long the treatment will take and the type of anesthesia you prefer before any action is taken.

The procedure where a dental implant root and the bone in the jaw connect is called Osseointegration. This procedure can take anywhere from three to six months to fully heal. If Osseointegration does not occur, then the implant has failed. But if the implant connects to the jawbone successfully, the bend implant dentist can add a crown or artificial prosthesis to complete the process.

When a Bend family dentist performs a dental implant, the healing time is different for each patient. The after care that remains the same for everyone is that an implant can fail if you do not keep the implant area clean.

Plastic Surgeon: Will Your Initial Meeting Cost Money?

If you are looking for a plastic surgeon, you can expect to have to attend an initial consultation first. Since this is typically a requirement, you should give it some thought before deciding whom to meet with. Of course, you can meet with more than one doctor before deciding, but you should be aware of the many options when it comes to fees for the first meeting. This is because most doctors charge differently.

One example of a common fee structure is that anything you pay for the first meeting goes toward the total cost of your surgery. This ensures that if you do not end up using the plastic surgeon for your procedure, he or she is still paid for the time it took to talk to you. If you do continue to use him or her, though, you do not have to pay extra for this required meeting since any payment you make for it will be applied to your total bill. This way, if you can afford the surgery, you can afford the consultation.

Some doctors, however, charge a regular fee for this kind of appointment. It may be the same cost they would charge for a minor treatment that takes only one visit. They may figure that you are getting valuable advice, and will have your questions answered at the appointment. You just have to make sure it is worth the money to meet with a plastic surgeon just once, since you might not end up choosing him or her. If you are not sure, find out if there is a way to lower the price or have the amount put toward your surgery costs.

On the other hand, some doctors offer the initial consultation for free. This means that even if you do not end up getting the surgery from that plastic surgeon, you will not have to pay anything. You can walk away with some knowledge on the treatment, and you should also know if you are a good candidate for the procedure. This can be a valuable thing to know since it determines if you should spend any more time even considering the surgery. If you are not sure if you can even do it, and you do not want to spend money upfront, a free meeting may be your best option.

You should call doctors near you to find out which ones offer free or inexpensive consultations. This type of meeting allows you to carefully choose the right plastic surgeon. It can also get your questions answered, so it is a good idea to go to one.

How Safe Is Plastic Surgery? Risks, Dangers, Complications of Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic surgery is a cosmetic surgery performed to improve one's body structure or looks. Millions of people undergo plastic surgery these days. There are plastic surgery procedures for all parts of the body. It has become quite a common procedure.

Plastic surgery is relatively safe in good hands. Any surgery carries some risks. Cosmetic surgery has made many advances in the past few years and these have made it a safe method of medical self-improvement. The main criterion is the surgeon chosen. Research has to be gone to find out a good and reliable surgeon to perform the procedure. A surgeon might have the best possible degree, but unless he has good experience, Board certification and good recommendations from his earlier patients, one should not continue. If one is satisfied and has enough confidence in the surgeon, then one can go ahead with plastic surgery as he is now in good and reliable hands.

No one has ever died of plastic surgery. There are no recorded deaths after such a procedure. Plastic surgery is not a life threatening procedure unlike a by pass surgery or a cancer surgery. However if care is not taken there are chances of infection. With adequate care and proper medication, plastic surgery is a safe bet. Cosmetic surgical procedures begin with incisions by the surgeon. After the operation, whether it is an implant, a liposuction, a lift, or corrective one, the patient has to take care that the sutures are not disturbed or harmed. If there is any itchiness, the patient should overcome the feeling. If sutures are stretched or if pressure is applied on the wound, chances of the sutures tearing are high. By taking care that such things do not happen, the surgery becomes safe.

There are those who are allergic to some medicines or to some forms of anesthesia. They should inform the doctor about their problems and their allergies. In plastic surgeries like implants, there are chances of the implants shifting or bursting. However these days the silicone gel used in implants is so smooth and so well studied that even such fears are unfounded. Some patients do not heal properly after surgeries.

Some surgeries do not give a proper final result. In such cases another surgery may have to be performed to correct the earlier ones. Some scars become prominent or do not fade. For such cases also there are remedies. Each case is different but by and large most patients are happy and satisfied with the plastic surgeries that they undergo and there are not too many complaints.

An Overview of Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic surgery this and cosmetic surgery that. To truly understand cosmetic surgery, one needs to get a grasp of the various cosmetic surgery procedures available.

Cosmetic surgery is one of the most talked about topics in the media today. People from all walks of life - from celebrities to soccer moms - are going under the knife to have their faces and bodies modified. If you're considering having a surgical cosmetic procedure performed, you might be wondering what cosmetic surgery procedures are available to make yourself look and feel better. Well, the technology of body modifying surgery has been steadily evolving over the last 50 years, and now there are more cosmetic surgery procedures available than ever.

One of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures that is performed on a regular basis is liposuction. Liposuction is the process of removing excess fat deposits under the skin by using a vacuum. A small incision is made in the skin of the area that you wish to remove fat from, and then a thin tube called a cannula is inserted. In order to aid the suction, fluid may be pumped under the skin that includes an anesthetic. Another option is to use an ultrasound probe to break up the fat deposits. The liquefied fat is then suctioned through the cannula. Since there is only a small cut made in the skin, recovery is relatively easy, and the procedure usually leaves only tiny scars or no scars at all.

Another cosmetic surgery that is performed routinely is a rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty comes from the Greek words for "nose" and "to shape" and it is the medical term for a nose job. In rhinoplasty, surgeons reshape the nose by removing and transforming the cartilage in the nose, as well as changing the shape of the skin around the nostrils and smoothing out the tip of the nose. Surgeons can perform these types of cosmetic surgery procedures with only a small incision at the base of the nose, or some will do a "closed" procedure where there is no incision required. Nose jobs have become commonplace among many different age groups and social groups, and many people elect to have this surgery to correct bumps and crooked appearance of the nose that was either present at birth or caused by an accident.

A third popular procedure is one that most people think of when cosmetic surgery procedures are mentioned. Breast enhancement surgery is very popular and one of the most performed procedures. The use of silicone implants, however, has been banned for some time. Enhancements are now done with saline solution implants or some derivative. With improvements in technology, however, silicone implants are about to become available again.

There are many more cosmetic surgery procedures available for those who wish to modify different parts of their body and face, such as face lifts, tummy tucks, and even buttocks implants. Cosmetic surgeons today specialize in helping to create a new look for patients who have small imperfections or large amounts of correction needed - and the field is still evolving.

The Top Ten Reasons That People Have Cosmetic Procedures

1. To improve confidence, decrease "self-consciousness"--Perhaps, for example, one sees their nose as large or conspicuous and a long-term "confidence underminer". Whether true or not, whether perceived as such by others or not, if one believes this to be true, it is true. And like a nagging little bug, it is constantly there. Once "fixed", the perceived "hurdle" to moving on and up in the world is gone.

2. To enhance psychological feelings of well-being, sensuality, sexuality, self-actualization or "being one's best"--These are complex and very personal issues, but for some who work very hard through diet, exercise, makeup, clothes, etc. to look their best, a problem or flaw that they can improve upon, or an area that they would like to make just a bit better can be quite important. When this is linked to sexuality, the level of importance goes up a few notches.

3. To increase sense of improvement in quality/enjoyment of life or work--This can include things like wearing the type of clothes or bathing suits you want to wear. Or you like going to the beach and would like to feel good about the body that you have. Maybe you have a very public job or deal with the public a lot. Perhaps you're on TV or work as a performer, or maybe you're busy socially. These all weigh in the decision.

4. To regain a lost positive attribute-For example, my lips were always full but now..., I always had a nice figure but now..., I miss the compliments I would always get about my... Having good positive reinforcement and ego stroking over the years and losing that attribute is like losing one's self-identity. There are ways to reasonably preserve or restore some of those youthful or sensual qualities.

5. To slow down, reverse or turn back the untoward effects of aging that are beginning to appear or have been creeping along for a while. The key here is "aging youthfully" i.e. looking great for one's age. Someone who is 65 and trying to look 25? Unfortunately, we can all recall seeing someone where this was exactly what was "attempted"-- but this rarely looks quite right and often just looks simply strange. Being a really good looking 50 year old and young for "your age," looks more natural and beautiful. Who doesn't want to look healthy, natural and appealing regardless of their age?

6. To counteract post-pregnancy body changes--The "Mommy Makeover"-- many unpleasant postpartum changes to the body that can make any mommy depressed. A mommy doesn't always want to feel that her whole life and being is now defined that way. She wants to be a woman, a lover, a friend, and a wife too. It is hard to feel sexy with empty, hanging breasts, clothes that don't fit, hanging, loose skin over a c-section scar, and fat in places that will not go away.

7. To correct post-weight loss body changes-- More and more gastric bypass type operations are leading to an increasing number of patients with extremely large amounts of loose, hanging skin on the neck, chest, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, arms... everywhere. You are healthier, you will live longer, you feel great...but you have now traded one terrible body image for another. Plastic surgery is the next step that should reward a better look to the body for the new found better health.

8. To relieve physical factors/symptoms leading one to e.g. a Breast Reduction-- chronic recurrent headaches, neck strain, lower back pain, shoulder notching, chronic bra strap line "grooves", rashes/irritation/odor/infections under the breasts, numbing or tingling in the hands due to nerve stretch-- all of these are associated with mammary hypertrophy--or excessively large, heavy, dense breasts. Almost all of these problems are 100% remedied by a breast reduction procedure. Other examples-- breathing better through the nose after a septorhinoplasty, improved peripheral vision after an upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

9. To improve/alter a feature that you have "always disliked",or eliminate a focus/source of embarrassment or insecurity. This can be an issue of maturity-- you thought about it a lot when you were younger and after years of reflection have realized that it definitely is something you would like improved. Often patients tell themselves-- I'll do it after I get married, I'll do it after we move, after we have kids, after they go to college, etc. Many times it is also a financial issue-- many people are simply not in the financial position at a younger age to comfortably afford plastic surgery-- or so they think.

10. To improve a "tired" or "overstressed" look-- Patients will say that they feel like they are wearing their divorce on their face or that their job, or some other significant life stress has aged them. Or that their appearance (by genetics and the aging process) is suggesting those very same stress messages so well that people often ask if everything is ok, are you well, are you sleeping enough etc. If you get asked those questions a few times, it might make you look in the mirror and consider scheduling an appointment with your local Plastic Surgeon.

Which of these might be you or someone you know?

High-End Dermatology Practice Carves Cosmetic Niche

Dermatologist Furner had been in practice for many years when she decided to stop taking all insurance except Medicare. Even though her schedule was booked out a few days in advance, Medicare had become an even-larger percentage of her practice. It had grown from 10% to 25% in just a couple of years and that trend was likely to continue until Dr Furner attracted more cash-based patients. She wanted to bring in more revenue by expanding the cosmetic side of her practice.

With more than 10,000 patient charts, a loyal patient base and a great reputation as a clinician, Furner should have been busier. However, few referrals were coming from other physicians as she didn't accept insurance.

She took the help of a healthcare marketing agency that created a branding strategy that focused on Furner as the clinician of choice for 'beautiful skin' procedures and generated word of mouth patient referral and the reactivation of former patients. More than 80% of Furner's patients had private insurance however would have to pay cash upfront and most likely higher deductibles if they're reimbursed. Her strategic marketing plan trained eyes on drawing well to do patients who were willing to shell out a premium for an elite doctor and an exclusive experience. Cross-selling new services to present patients was an important strategy for building the cosmetic surgery side of the practice. Elements of Dr Furner's campaign covered:

• Promotional practice brochure
• Reactivation package
• Message on hold
• Posters
• Staff training
• Results

Furner was so pleased with the results that she is once again turning to the healthcare marketing agency to help her. This time, her main goal is to set up an Internet presence with a similarly branded doctor website that maximizes exposure

Cosmetic Acupuncture - An Effective Treatment to Reduce Wrinkles?

Ms. Nancy Winlove-Smith has been providing Acupuncture services and Integrative Health Consulting in Hamilton, Ontario since 2004. Specializing in women's health areas such as fertility and age related issues, Nancy has also been practicing cosmetic acupuncture for the past five years.

In this interview, you will get answers on how acupuncture works to reduce wrinkles, how to use acupuncture for the maximum benefits, and if this is an effective and safe natural alternative. Discover what Nancy has to say on this subject.

Cosmetic acupuncture sounds a little bit trendy. It is said that cosmetic acupuncture is far less expensive than cosmetic surgery, a safe technique, and that is actually works to reduce signs of aging. How come we didn't hear about it before? Acupuncture is not recent...
Cosmetic Acupuncture does sound trendy but it has been practiced in Asia for decades. According to one doctor I spoke with before I decided to invest in the training, prior to the use of cosmetic surgery, there were a number of celebrities in Hollywood that used Acupuncture to maintain a "younger" profile. It is rumoured that Bob Hope used it regularly to keep his skin smooth. I was very sceptical myself when I first saw the course advertised, however one doctor I spoke with confirmed that she herself did indeed use acupuncture to reduce her fine lines.

So how does it work to improve the appearance of skin?
The concept is based on physiology. When the skin is injured, no matter how small the injury, the body's response is to send collagen to the area to repair. Cosmetic Acupuncture technique requires the insertion of between 50 and 60 fine needles. The effect is a migration of collagen to the area which is deposited and "plumps" the specific areas where the "micro-injury" has occurred. The insertion of needles also stimulates the muscles to contract. Multiple treatments results in a "toning" of the muscles which reduces the sagging that develops as a part of the aging process.

What kind of results can you really expect?
Results vary depending on the current integrity of the skin, i.e.: sun damage, poor diet, inherited skin conditions, etc. Mature skin that has been well maintained responds the best. Age does play a factor, those in their 40's or 50's will get faster results. I have had good results with women in their 60's, however they require more treatments to achieve the same results as someone younger.

When you say faster results, do you mean one month, one year, more?
The skin, as you know has many layers and the effects of the increased blood and nutrient supply to skin does not really become overly noticeable during the first couple of months. Typically at three months you begin to see a difference. Usually women report back to me that they notice they can wear lip stick again without always having to use liner to keep it from "bleeding" into the lines. In some cases collagen pads can actually be seen around the lateral aspect of the eye where laugh lines can become deep. The effects of cosmetic acupuncture are cumulative, I have clients that have been with me for four years and the laugh lines do not reappear. The mouth area is harder to maintain, but an extra treatment or two during the year usually will maintain enough extra collagen.

Can you get these results only with facial acupuncture or do you advice other therapies at the same time?
I always incorporate dietary recommendations; you can only work with what you have. A poor diet lacking in essentials fatty acids, vitamins or minerals will not deliver a good repair kit to the area. I always advise my clients if they want the best results, I can deliver the blood to the area, but it is up to them what is in it. I do recommend they use as close to natural for any product they may put on their face on a regular basis. A lot of "high end" products have chemicals which are toxic and are absorbed through the skin. I have had a number of clients who have gotten eye infections from high end night creams that do not absorb and become a hosting platform for bacteria. I have seen extreme break outs in clients who have used very expensive facial creams.

So cosmetic acupuncture is not completely safe...
Anybody who is considering acupuncture for any reason should have a total health consult first. Any procedure that breaks the skin has the potential to introduce infection. Cosmetic Acupuncture compared to other forms of anti-aging procedures has a very high safety record. There is no use of foreign matter being introduced under the skin and risk of infection compared to surgery is very small, in fact I am not aware of any reported cases. Individuals with conditions such as diabetes, bleeding conditions, certain thyroid conditions, shingles or hepatitis should definitely not consider Cosmetic Acupuncture.

Is there any medical research that supports cosmetic acupuncture?
I don't think there has been any relevant scientific study in this area.

I understand cosmetic acupuncture is used mainly for wrinkles and fine lines. Could it also be used for other skin conditions, such as acne, dry skin, or facial scars?
Cosmetic acupuncture can be effective in reducing adult rosacea, repair of small broken capillaries and dry skin. I would not recommend it for extreme acne conditions as risk for infection would be an underlying issue. I would have to say in my experience it does not reduce the appearance of facial scars significantly.

Is there anything you would like to add about cosmetic acupuncture?
There is one other benefit cosmetic acupuncture provides; a psychological support that you cannot find in any other anti-aging product. During the procedure not only is collagen released, but endorphins and natural opiates. Clients leave feeling rested, rejuvenated and that hormone release is reinforced every treatment and the "calming effect" becomes as cumulative as the collagen.