Saturday, November 16, 2013

Plastic Surgery and the Entertainment Industry


In an industry where you are judged primarily on your looks and your age, plastic surgery is almost mandatory for any age group. It's becoming just as important in the corporate world, too. Artists and executives are more likely to get hired if they appear young, trim and attractive. A nip here, a tuck there and you're good to go.

But what happens when something goes terribly wrong? We've seen some very odd sightings both on the streets of LA and on the covers of various supermarket tabloids. Burt Reynolds and Farrah Fawcett seem to have their skin pulled so tightly that their faces are actually misshapen. Joan Rivers jokes about talking through her navel after so many face lifts. Then there's the infamous Michael Jackson.

A plastic surgeon on the Discovery Channel recently stated that Michael Jackson's nose is actually dying from all the surgery. They displayed a recent picture of Michael Jackson in court and the skin was actually peeling off his nose. And now there is speculation that his nose is really a prosthesis.

While these particular surgeries are all considered elective, many plastic surgeries are required to correct a serous defect or repair someone after an accident, or to correct a medical situation brought about by a previous surgery.

So, how do you choose a reputable plastic surgeon and minimize the potential disastrous effects of surgery or surgical complications? People on the "A" list in the entertainment industry get recommendations from other celebrities who have had skilled surgeons work on them. But, what do the rest of us do? You know, those of us who don't make $25 million a picture or have $43 million record deals do?

The sad fact is that many individuals base their decision on whether their doctor participates in their insurance program's PPO or HMO. Others base their decision on the price of the surgery. Neither of these methods guarantees a skilled surgeon, and if you're shopping around for a bargain deal, limit that to what you can find at the local Wal-Mart, not your surgeon. You're risking your life if you do. There have been numerous horror stories and even deaths resulting from bargain basement surgeons promising beautiful breast or a youthful appearance.

Since it appears as if it's almost mandatory that people in the entertainment industry get plastic surgery at some point in their careers, you need to choose wisely. Here are a few questions you should ask when seeking out a skilled and reputable surgeon.

1. Get several recommendations from verifiable and reliable sources.

2. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to verify if he or she is in good standing. Here is their website: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/. Also go to the American Board of Plastic Surgeons: http://www.abplsurg.org/ to see if the doctors you are considering are listed.

The American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the only specialty board responsible for certifying plastic surgeons approved by the American Medical Association and the American Board of Medical Specialties. Any doctor who is certified by the board must meet the following requirements:

o They must have graduated from a school, which is accredited at the time of graduation by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), a Canadian Medical School accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS), or from a United States osteopathic school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

o They must have completed a minimum of three years clinical training in general surgery, or complete an approved residency in orthopedic surgery, or be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

o They must have completed a minimum of two to three years approved residency training for plastic surgery in the United States or Canada.

o They must have successfully passed a written, practical and oral examination in plastic surgery.

o They must maintain an ethical standing in the community as well as moral status.

You can also check with the Federal Trade Commission for instructions: http://www.ftc.gov/. Don't go strictly by the certificates on the wall. Anyone can look impressive by printing up (or ordering) a certificate or a diploma and getting a good framer.

Ask questions of the doctor!!! Find out what percentage of his surgical practice is spent performing the type surgery you are interested in. Find out the length of time your doctor has invested in training for the procedure, as well as how many of the procedure you are choosing to undertake they have performed in total and how many years they have actually performed it. Ask how many of these surgeries were successful and how many were not. Ask what they attributed for the negative results. Find out what happened and why so it doesn't happen to you. Also find out if they are continuing their education to keep fresh in the field.

If the doctor is resentful or cops an attitude because you ask detailed questions and expect complete answers from them, walk away, going on to the next doctor on your list. They should have nothing to hide. There are dentists who have gone to a weekend seminar and are now certified to do liposuction. Now that's scary! Plastic surgery is a very lucrative business with billions of dollars spent annually. Everyone wants his or her piece of the pie. Make sure to verify all information with reliable sources.

1. Tell your doctor you would like to speak to some of his patients who have already had similar procedures done. Most reputable surgeons adhere to this practice.

2. Get a second opinion from the second doctor on your list and repeat steps 2-4 again before you make your decision. Ask yourself an important question: "Who did I feel, gut level feeling, more comfortable with?" Then and only then, make your informed decision.

While all of these steps may seem like overkill, and may take some time, they will save you years of additional reconstructive surgery and thousands of dollars if you ask questions, verify information and practice patience at the onset.

A year and a half ago I had a medical need to undergo breast reduction. I had insurance and simply chose a provider on my list. I made my decision based on my insurance carrier. I didn't do my due diligence and check the doctor out as I am advocating you do. Unfortunately, a year after the surgery, I was still suffering from infection, hardening and complete numbness in both breasts, not just in one area. Additionally the surgery left me with a deformity on both sides that caused problems both physically and esthetically. I had to undergo more surgery as a result, but once again I was at a loss of who to go to, or more importantly who I should trust.

A good friend of mine had a child who unfortunately needed to undergo plastic surgery. She knew my plight and recommended her child's doctor. I was little apprehensive as you can imagine.

I spoke to other friends about future surgery. I mentioned my thoughts about using this doctor. And, to my surprise, many of them had heard of him. Apparently he is very famous in the entertainment industry and extremely well respected.

After seeing him, I understood how he had earned his reputation. He and his staff were, and are incredible! I have never been to any doctor who was as thorough or able to put me as much at ease.

Needless to say I'm doing extremely well now because of him and his staff's skill and care. After all I went through with such an essential part of my physical body and appearance, as well as my personal health, I am on the road to recovery finally.

Take a word of warning from someone who has "been there, done that," do your research. If you choose poorly, especially while working in an industry that places so much emphasis on physical beauty, you may no longer have the career you once had; and more importantly, you may not have your health or your life. Just as you practiced your craft to become the best at what you do, carefully pick a surgeon who has put the same care and effort into his training. In this case you will get what you pay for.

Copyright 2005 Jaci Rae

Cosmetic Dentistry: All You Need To Know About Porcelain Veneer


If you are facing the problem of worn out, chipped, discolored or misaligned teeth, then you need to try porcelain veneer. A Porcelain veneer or dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that bound on the outer side of the teeth in order to build a superficial improvement for the teeth. The coating is applied by first taking a mold of your tooth. From the mold, the veneer for each tooth is fabricated from porcelain. After the molds fabrication, fitting to the teeth with bonding adhesives is done. The adhesive helps hold the veneer for long. When qualified dentist does these dentistry works, they can last up to 50 years.

When Is Porcelain Veneer Needed?

The needs for coatings arise when you want teeth of the right shape and size. Most people suffer low self-esteem because of how their teeth look. When your teeth are not of the "right" shape and color, you always feel ashamed to smile or talk in front of people. If your teeth have been making you feel inferior then porcelain veneer comes in handy. They help solve the problems of crooked or uneven teeth, poorly shaped teeth, gray and yellow colored teeth, spaces between teeth, excessive gum when smiling, and worn down teeth.

Advantages Of Porcelain Veneer Over Natural Teeth

Natural teeth are susceptible to turning yellow or brown when you smoke cigarettes or take coffee and tea. With porcelain veneer, you can comfortably smoke cigarettes or take coffee and tea without the fear of your teeth turning brown. They lets your teeth stay white for up to 50 years.

Another advantage of these dentistry works over natural teeth is their durability. The veneers last relatively longer compared to natural teeth. Natural teeth are open to decay that occurs naturally. Veneers on the other hand are not prone to decay. This makes them more durable than natural teeth.

Yet another advantage of porcelain veneers over natural teeth is the beauty associated with veneers. Unlike natural teeth, porcelain coatings help you have teeth of the right shapes and size. Spaces between teeth associated natural teeth become a thing of the past when you apply veneers.

What To Consider When Applying Porcelain Veneer

One of the things to check out is the prices. This is as compared to your financial capabilities. You need to go for a veneer work you can afford. When comparing the prices of veneers, always remember that they are a long-term investment. You spend once and stay with the beautiful smile for up to 50 years. Being a long-terminvestment, spending a reasonably high amount should not bother you.

Another important thing to consider is the expertise of the dentist doing it. Application of porcelain coating combines dentistry and aesthetics expertise. This means that not every dentist can give you that beautiful smile just because they are experts in dentistry. You need to check the track record of the dentist. You need to check on the works they have done before. These should give a clear image of how you teeth will look like after the dentist does the dentistry work on you.

Genioplasty - Cosmetic Surgery Bringing Strength to the Chin


A small chin is commonly termed a weak chin- and that says it all.  Studies have determined that a small or weak chin can convey the impression of a weak personality.  A strong chin, particularly in a man, is often associated with confidence, strength and leadership. 

It is no coincidence that many of Hollywood's most sought after leading men often posses a "square" or strong jawed look with a confident chin.  Interestingly, it is not just in men that a weak chin is found less appealing aesthetically.  Many women choose to undergo chin augmentation surgery because they find the same shift in appearance to a perception of more confidence and a more balanced facial appearance. 

Due to its relative simplicity and safety as a cosmetic surgical procedure and the fact that it produces such visible and confidence building results- the genioplasty cosmetic surgical procedure as become quite popular.  There were over 34,000 genioplasty procedures performed in 2007.

A genioplasty or chin augmentation surgery consists of the cosmetic surgeon placing an implant under the skin on the front of the chin area.  Most chin implants utilized today are manufactured out of a silicone rubber material.  A chin implant surgical procedure can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. 

The preference of course is to try and utilize local anesthesia as this is much safer for the patient- the cosmetic surgeon will make the determination on what anesthetic to use based upon the complexity of the procedure.  The complexity of a genioplasty procedure will vary depending on the size of the augmentation to be created and whether or not the patient has any other mitigating health factors. 

Once successfully placed, a chin implant should become permanent and would only require future removal do to unusual complications.  The patient's brain will adapt and incorporate the implant into their body image and in a short time the implant will look normal to them and will no longer feel unusual or new or strange.

As with any medical procedure there is always the possibility of complications.  A chin implant can occasionally extrude through the skin and must then be removed.  Also, there is a possibility that an implant can become infected and the patient may be treated with antibiotics and the cosmetic surgeon may choose to remove the implant.

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

Plastic Surgery Gone Right! Should I Get Liposuction?


It's quite common to have areas of your body that you're uncomfortable with. Exercise can be frustrating if there are certain areas of fat that just won't disappear. If you find yourself constantly focusing on problem areas and pinching the fat wishing it would just go away, Liposculpting may be a great option for you.

Liposuction is an operation that removes pockets of fat by suctioning it out. The fat that is removed during liposuction will never come back. Where fat is located on your body is determined by two factors - how many fat cells you have and how big they are. The number of fat cells in each area is determined early on by genetics and your weight as a child. When you gain weight as an adult, your fat cells get larger, but you don't form any new ones.

If your body has more fat cells in one particular area, that becomes a "problem area" for you. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from selected areas. Your body can still make the few remaining fat cells larger, but it will not create new ones. This means you stay thin in those areas even if you gain a little weight. Of course, if you gain a lot of weight (20 or more pounds), you will notice that even those areas which were treated with liposuction become larger again.

Liposuction is not a substitute for losing weight because it's not safe to remove very large amounts of fat during a liposuction procedure. But, it's perfect for contouring parts of the body and for removing a particular area of fat that just won't go away.

What about SmartLipo™ and Lipodissolve? SmartLipo™ claims to remove fat by dissolving it with a laser?

Like all new things, there is a lot of media and publicity, but there aren't any rigorous scientific studies that show that it's better or safer than regular liposuction. Most of the physicians doing SmartLipo™ are not Plastic Surgeons but a mix of Family Physicians, Gynecologist, or Internal Medicine doctors, many of whom have received only a few days of training at a weekend course. Because surgeons don't believe this is any better than regular liposuction, they usually don't offer it to patients. However many surgeons do offer Vaser™ which is a liposuction machine that helps dissolve tougher areas of fat with ulatrasound before it is suctioned out and can help tighten the skin in many patients.

Lipodissolve uses a chemical to dissolve fat. This process is not approved by the FDA, and since it only works on about a quarter size area, it requires hundreds of injections to introduce the chemical to all the areas being treated. There is a good chance that the fat will dissolve unevenly or not work at all, so Lipodissolve will likely leave you less than satisfied.

Technique of Liposuction:

The procedure involves making tiny incisions (less than a half inch) in about two or three places for each area where the liposuction will be performed. Usually these are hidden by your underwear or in natural creases on the body.

Then, with a small thin tube, IV fluid that is mixed with medications is introduced to numb the area and to reduce bleeding. When more fluid is put in than the amount of fat to be taken out, this is called the "tumescent" liposuction technique. This numbs everything so that you can have the surgery while you are wide-awake, and it dramatically reduces the chances of bleeding or bruising. Next, using liposuction cannulas, the fat is removed. This is done very carefully to ensure that the fat is removed evenly and the body is contoured for the best shape.

When the liposuction procedure is complete, you will see small pieces of tape where the tiny incisions were made. You will be dressed with gauze over the incisions and a compression garment over the entire area.

Expected Recovery from liposuction:

For a day or two after surgery, there will be seepage of pink fluid from the incisions. That's the fluid that was put in to do the liposuction combined with a small amount of blood, and it's completely normal after surgery. Be sure to keep gauze over these areas as instructed. You may want to use extra towels or even trash bags to cover your car seats and your furniture.

Pain: Most people stay numb for 8-12 hours after surgery. The amount of pain you will experience depends on how much fat is removed and in how many areas. For example, a small amount of fat (ie: a soft drink can) removed from one areas will probably very little pain and can return to work in a few days. If you have more areas worked on or a larger amount of fat removed (ie: a two liter bottle), you will feel more pain. Soreness can last for two to three weeks. There are several other after-effects to keep in mind:

Bruising: A small amount of bruising can be expected, and the amount varies with the amount of liposuction. It lasts 7 - 10 days.

Swelling: is completely normal and is part of the healing process. You will need to wear a compression garment for about six weeks, during which the swelling will slowly improve. You will see pretty big changes in about 3 weeks, but it can take up to 6 months for the contour and appearance of skin to reflect your final result.

After liposuction, you can return back to work in just a few days, but again, it depends on the amount of fat removed, the number of areas that are worked on, and if you combine liposuction with any other surgery.

Risks of Liposuction:

Bleeding: Bruising is common after liposuction, and the fluid draining out of the incisions always looks pink or red the first day or two. Very rarely, bleeding may be more serious.

Contour Problems: The most common complication after liposuction is a small firm or uneven area. Most of the time, it goes away in a few months on its own or with massaging. If it doesn't, you may need further liposuction or less commonly, fat transfer.

Blood Clots: With large amounts of liposuction you are at risk of developing blood clots in the veins in your leg. These can cause swelling in the leg and can sometimes move to the lungs and where they can be fatal. This complication is rare, and I follow every precaution to ensure that the risk is as low as possible.

If you would like to hear a patient experience about his liposuction procedures in West Palm Beach please visit our? Liposuction works if you have fairly tight skin and just want to be thinner or get rid of fat. A tummy tuck is a better option if you want to remove extra skin and stretch marks between your belly button and your groin, tighten the muscles, and shape the belly into an hour glass. For some patients liposuction combined with a tummy tuck will give the best results. You can also search for my Tummy Tuck article on this site.

The Societal Push Towards Plastics


Plastic surgery has remained popular despite the current economic downfall that has negatively affected just about every other market. Cosmetic procedures performed in 2010 inched up two percent from 2009. With the most popular surgical procedure being- yes you guessed it- breast augmentation surgery with a whopping 296,203 women benefiting from this cosmetic delight in 2010, up two percent from 2009. Other top surgical contenders included eyelid surgery (207,764 procedures), rhinoplasty (252,261 procedures), tummy tucks (116,352 procedures) and liposuction (203,106 procedures).

So rest assured if you are considering plastic surgery you are not alone. In fact between the surgical and the non invasive cosmetic procedures performed in 2010 there were over thirteen million procedures performed, which is an increase of five percent from 2009.

So who are these thirteen million people signing up for cosmetic procedures? Consumers who seek out cosmetic procedures today are just as likely to be men as they are women and just as likely to be a young teenager as they are to be older adults. Cosmetic surgery is not limited by race or ethnicity either. There are just as many non Caucasians having plastic surgery as there are Caucasians. African American women for example show a high rate for breast reduction surgery while Hispanic women are leaning towards breast augmentation and Asian women favor rhinoplasty.

And when it comes to gender, the gap is closing as more men benefit from cosmetic procedures than ever before. In fact in 2005, twelve percent of all liposuction procedures were performed on men who are increasingly becoming part of the demographics for cosmetic surgery.

Why is there such a cross section of Americans of every demographic lining up for cosmetic surgery or non invasive cosmetic procedures? The answer is as varied as the people. For example some older adults find themselves competing in the work place with younger workers for scarce jobs and looking younger can give them a needed edge coupled with experience and education.
Other reasons that plastic surgery has become increasingly popular may come down to a greater push from pop culture to assimilate and a greater acceptance from the majority culture to have cosmetic work done. It's no longer taboo to have Botox injections during your lunch or to hide a nose job as a broken nose. The new acceptance of cosmetic surgery has allowed more consumers to become actively aware of options that they may not have known about before.

Plus with advances in today's technology there doesn't seem to be any limit to what a plastic surgeon can't accomplish. Procedures that were once only dreamt of are now reality as patients with disfiguring defects can do more than just get patch up jobs that don't touch the real problem. And even though plastic surgery can carry some risks it has proven to be relatively safe and successful for most patients which is certainly helping more potential patients see plastics as a real option for change.

Body Contouring - Changing Your Outside So You Feel Good on the Inside


If you are looking for a way to make a dramatic transformation to your outward appearance, a reputable plastic surgery center may have the answers you need. You can call and schedule a consultation to learn about the body contouring procedures the center may offer to improve areas of your body that you are dissatisfied with. Most centers perform the popular liposuction procedure that removes unwanted fat from the body. This is considered one of the most sought after cosmetic surgeries today because it is proven a highly effective and safe way to remove the fat you may have been so desperately trying to get rid of on your own.

The tummy tuck is another body contouring procedure. This procedure removes sagging and loose abdominal wall skin that may have resulted from prior surgeries or multiple pregnancies. This procedure can give you a flatter and smoother abdomen. There are several tummy tuck procedures available, including the mini abdominoplasty, which tightens only the lower abdominal wall skin; the standard, which tightens all the abdominal skin; and the extended, which tightens the flanks or sides and the abdomen. Additional body contouring procedures available through a professional plastic surgery center may include:

- Buttocks Enhancement procedures - Procedures such as the buttock lift for sagging, Brazilian lift to add volume, and enhancement after weight loss procedures can provide patients with a lifted, perky rear.

- Breast Lift - Lifts sagging or drooping breasts that may have been caused by genetics, pregnancies, or massive weight loss.

- Breast Reduction - Provides patients with a smaller breast size, a more attractive shape, and freedom from health problems that may be associated with having very large breasts.

- Medial and Lateral Thigh Lifts - This procedure will reshape your outer, inner, and mid-thigh region by removing the sagging skin.

- Upper Back Lift - This procedure may be included with another procedure for those who have lost an extreme amount of weight and have fat pockets and loose skin in their upper back region.

- Arm Lift - This procedure is for patients that have been left with fat around their upper arms and flabby skin following massive weight loss.

You can call a plastic surgery center to learn of additional body contouring procedures they offer. You can also find out if you can combine one or more procedure into one surgical procedure for the best possible outcome. Schedule a consultation to learn about the procedure that you are interested in and to learn whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Plastic Surgery Repair of Cheek Bone Fractures


Cheek bone (zygomatic) fractures are one of the most common facial fractures, Over the years, I have seen many cheek bone (malar) fractures and they are commonly the result of personal assaults (being punched in the face) and sports injuries. The cheek bone sits on a very prominent part of the face and, as a result, is easily struck. It acts as a protector for the eye which is situated above and behind it.

The bulk of the cheek bone is what we see but it sticks out as such because it is attached by four 'legs' to the deeper parts of the face. When the cheek bone breaks, it moves because these attachments fracture, allowing it to collapse inward and downward. As it falls back and in, it goes directly into the underlying maxillary sinus which is just an open air space. Because part of the cheek bone makes up a portion of the floor of the eye, a fractured cheek bone results in loss of the cheek prominence and an eye which make look like it is fallen lower.

Repair of these fractures involves putting it back in place and securing one or more of these legs with plates and screws. Fixing the fracture can be done by an incision inside the mouth, through the lower eyelid, or both depending upon the degree of bone displacement. Plate and screw fixation composed of the metal titanium and being very small in size works quite well for repairing these facial bone injuries. I have done many with this metallic method and it is the standard of care today.

Over the past ten years, I have also repaired cheek bone fractures with a resorbable plate and screw system composed of the polymer, LactoSorb. These resorbable plates and screws have been used in over 100,000 craniofacial cases since 1996 and has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. In properly selected cheek bone fractures, LactoSorb plates and screws can provide good stable results. Plates of 2.0mm size are placed vertically along the posterior maxillary buttress (if possible) and obliquely from the zygoma to the pyriform aperture. (which is always possible). Plates smaller than 2.0mm are not of adequate strength. The cheek fractures that work best with this resorbale fixation method are what I call simple fractures, where an intraoral approach with only one or two plates is all that is needed to adequately restore their pre-injury anatomic position.

Repositioning the cheek bone back in place will almost always leave a bone gap between it and the front wall of the maxillary sinus. If this bone gap is unduly large, one might want to consider a bone graft for long-term stability.

My experience with repairing cheek fractures with LactoSorb fixation has always been satisfactory. I have not experienced any infections, collapse of the cheek bone, or adverse reactions to the material as the bone heals up and the material absorbs up to a year after surgical repair.

Cosmetic Financing With Bad Credit


Cosmetic financing with bad credit is an important issue to consider because most people don't have good credit. This can cause some pretty big problems if you are looking get some sort of plastic surgery operation. There is nothing like wanting to improve your looks and your confidence but not having the financing to achieve that goal.

Fortunately for you, there are some companies that do specialize in giving out plastic surgery for people with bad credit. There are bad credit lenders who offer personal loans for people looking to get cosmetic surgery procedures done with poor credit - or anything else for that matter.

Now, the way to go applying for a cosmetic surgery procedure is to first know what you want done. You then look around online for a plastic surgeon that can perform that procedure. You get a quote for the procedure then approach a lender to get a personal loan to cover this -- in this case you approach a poor credit lender online and make an application in for this type of loan.

Now, with bad credit loans for cosmetic surgery financing, you need to be aware that you will pay high interest, so you want to make sure you can reasonably afford the payments.

Another option you may be able to take is to ask the clinic where your cosmetic surgery will be done if they offer plastic surgery financing. Some of the larger clinics do offer this to people. If this is the case you will have to pay an initial amount of front - a down payment on the cosmetic operation - and then you will be billed monthly. Note that the interest may be higher than if you just first secured private funding outside first. This is how you secure cosmetic financing with bad credit.

A History of Cosmetic Surgery


Cosmetic surgery is not a new phenomenon, Ancient Egyptian documentation dating back to around 4000 years ago shows reconstructive surgery could be one of the oldest specialties in medicine. Later named 'rhinoplasty', surgical procedures on the human nose began in India and were recorded by Hindu surgeon Sushruta in his 600BC text Sushruta Samhita. The ancient Romans viewed any form of physical abnormality as suspicious, practicing breast reductions on obese men, skin grafts to cover brandings and reconstructing ears and noses sliced off in gladiator fights.

Aesthetic surgery began to tail off during the middle ages as it was deemed to be sinful and Pagan. Cosmetic surgery re-emerged in the European Enlightenment but suffered from resistance from the Church, which believed that "God did not make his Works for man to mend." (Gilman 1999).

The two world wars of the 20th century very quickly changed attitudes to reconstructive surgery and Victorian distain for vanity as soldiers began to return home from war seriously injured with unprecedented disfigurements such as shattered jaws and open skull wounds. From here on, the technology surrounding adapting the human body moved very quickly.

Fast forward to today and cosmetic clinics are far removed from their humble origins. Plastic surgery has become commercially available and does not just encompass breast enlargement, rhinoplasty and face lifts. Procedures such as laser hair removal, botox injections and liposuction are now widely available to all. Cosmetic treatments are no longer invasive or complicated and scarring from surgery has been greatly reduced thanks to leaps in scientific knowledge of the human body.

Why would somebody put their life at risk just to look better? The truth is that all surgery carries inherent dangers but instances of surgical complications are rare as standards in private clinics are reassuringly high. A good surgeon will never become involved with a procedure if he or she believes the patient could be in danger. There are so many other options available to people these days that don't involve anaesthetics. Those wishing to banish body fat can have Smart Lipo, a new technique that uses lasers to disperse fat in problem areas. Results appear immediately and continue to show over the next six months as skin tightens over the treated area. This is a clinical procedure that does not require a hospital stay and patients are able to return to work very quickly although they are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

All cosmetic clinics you approach should talk you through your options, you may not be aware that there may be other options to you to change your appearance, i.e. instead of having a surgical breast augmentation, you could have Macrolane injections instead as it does not involve a general anaesthetic so recovery time is much faster. Cosmetic procedures have become very popular over the last 20 years as people of all ages and walks of life no longer want to feel shame and low self-confident. Everybody wants to feel good about their body.

Options Used by a Cosmetic Dentist


If you're looking for a gorgeous smile, visit your local cosmetic dentist. Braces, teeth whitening, chipped tooth repair, and tooth colored fillings are just some of the amazing transformational elements that can be done to your set of teeth. No matter what's caused your self-consciousness about your smile, the world of dentistry has a solution!

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening are one of the most common procedures, which a cosmetic dentist performs today. Our teeth grow stained by so many different daily items like tobacco, soda, wine, alcohol, tea, coffee, or even poor dental hygiene. Everyone wants a pearly white smile, but still be allowed the drinks and habits they've grown to enjoy.

Dental Veneers

For incredibly discolored teeth, dental veneers may be the option. Sometimes bleaching just isn't enough and you need to take your teeth whitening a step further. A dental veneer is designed from porcelain laminate or composite. Then it's stuck to the front surface of the teeth.

Indirect Fillings: Inlays/Onlays

Typical silver fillings stand out in pearly white teeth. So, if you're looking for an option that's tooth-like in appearance, you may opt for inlays and onlays, which are designed to fill in the cavity, which has formed in your mouth. Indirect fillings also use either porcelain laminate or composite, both of which are naturally tooth-like in color.

Composite Bonding

Another option for discolored teeth is composite bonding. This product can also be used in the repair of chipped, broken or decayed teeth. A cosmetic dentist will apply the bonding mater directly to your teeth and shape it like your original tooth, making each damaged tooth appear whole again. Composite is incredibly strong, especially once it's hardened with a specially designed high-intensity light. Bonding can also be used to whiten teeth by applying it over the discolored tooth.

Smile Makeovers

The smile makeover is a cosmetic dentist specialist's dream job! This procedure applies many different aspects of this specialized branch of dentistry, which will transform the patient's smile. It includes procedures, which may straighten teeth, whiten teeth and over all completely change the patient's smile!

A smile makeover begins with a consultation visit. You and your dentist will discuss how you'd like your smile to look, and what work is reasonably within your budget. The dentist will recommend a whitening procedure along with any straightening measures that may need to be taken to correct your teeth or jaw alignment.

Dental Implants

Dental implants allow missing teeth to be replaced with a tooth-like model that's just as strong as your tooth used to be before old age or disease caught up with you. The dental implant replaced both the tooth and the root. Don't suffer from gaps in your teeth line. You should look into dental implants!

Many patients agree that a cosmetic dentist can perform wonders today! Between tooth-colored fillings, chipped tooth repair, straightening crooked teeth, the many options for tooth whitening, and even smile makeovers, you can have the smile you've always wanted. Each professional will cater his options to meet your specific needs, so be sure to discuss the finished product you'd like to see!

Ways to Fund Your Cosmetic Surgery


When your insurance company doesn't pay for cosmetic surgery because it's elective, and you don't have the money in the bank to pay up front, what are your options? Do you have to wait until you save up enough money before you can have the facelift, tummy tuck, or breast uplift that you want? That, of course, depends on your personal financial situation. You do, however, need to check into the options before you even go for your first evaluation.

Depending on the surgeon you choose, it's possible you may find one who offers a payment plan right in the office. In most cases, this means you pay a certain amount down, and the doctor will agree to accept a set amount in payments each month thereafter. You want to be careful when using this option, because in many cases, the down payment is smaller in order to encourage patients to take advantage of it. However, the monthly payments may be short term, and thus much higher than what you can afford. Although this is not true all the time, it is in many cases. The reason is doctors want their money right away, and as such, they really don't want to be stuck financing patient bills. Therefore, what they do is make it somewhat attractive by offering a payment plan, but at the same time, discouraging patients from using onsite financing because of the future high payments.

Another option is using your credit card, if you have enough available to finance your cosmetic surgery. Financing this way means you don't have to pay a down payment, and you have low minimum payments. On the down side, cosmetic surgery is expensive, so you will tie up a good portion of your credit line. Of course, if you are financially sound and have a substantial credit line, it may not have a detrimental effect, especially if you have a card with a lower than average interest rate. If you had planned to pay a down payment, you can also do that and put the balance on your credit card. This will reduce the amount of your credit line that you tie up with your surgery.

A third option is applying for a personal loan at your bank. Of course, for those who have less than perfect credit, they may need to obtain some collateral such as real estate or a motor vehicle, but it's always possible. If you already have an equity line of credit, you can use that as well, by just writing out a check against your available balance. There are always ways you can come up with the funds you need for different things, including that of cosmetic surgery. You may even choose to take a loan against your 401K plan if you have one, or take a loan against your savings account or other assets you may own. Make certain you know you can obtain the funding before you go any farther than the initial consultation. Make sure you can pay for the surgery before you schedule it and tie up the surgeon's schedule.

Change The Shape Of Your Nose In Minutes: Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty


You've stared at your nose in the mirror for years wishing that something could be done to improve the bump on the bridge, eliminate the indentation in the middle, or raise up the tip. But, you could never gather up the courage or the money for a surgical "nose job," what doctors call a "rhinoplasty." Maybe you just could not bear the thought of a painful recovery or afford the added expense of the two-week downtime away from work. Now, with "non-surgical rhinoplasty" you may just be able to have your cake and eat it.

Two state-of-the-art soft-tissue filler materials, Radiesse and Restylane, may be just the answer for you. Both are FDA-approved materials, and their safety has been well established in human use. Neither Radiesse, a synthetic bone-like material made up of calcium hyroxylapatite nor Restylane, a synthetically produced hyaluronic acid derivative, require pre-treatment allergy testing. Each has been injected successfully to correct certain nasal irregularities.

The areas to be treated usually require a small amount of local anesthetic. The filler is then injected and molded into place to correct the deformity or irregularity. Treatment usually takes only a few minutes. Afterward, you may experience some redness, mild swelling, and tenderness, which may last one to two days. Occasionally, you may develop slight bruising that can last several days, but is easily coverable with makeup.

For a drooping nasal tip, a very common occurrence with aging, tiny droplets of Botox Cosmetic, which has been used so successfully to treat the dynamic wrinkles of the face, may be given to the sides of the nose and to the tip directly to weaken those muscles responsible for pulling the nose downward and to allow others that draw the tip upward to do so unopposed. The net result is that the tip is repostitioned to a more youthful appearance. Re-treatment may be necessary every few months to maintain this improvement.

The results with Radiesse may last twelve to eighteen months and those of Restylane for eight to twelve months before a touchup may be necessary.

Your doctor will discuss with you whether non-surgical rhinoplasty is appropriate for you, the benefits of each agent, and the best agent or combination of injectables for your particular needs. Now what are you waiting for?

Interesting Trends in the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Industry


It is quite clear that the cosmetic plastic surgery industry has gone through a lot of changes since its inception. As a matter of fact, the industry is no longer what is used to be and there has been a number of interesting as well as fascinating changes over the past many years. One of the most important changes that the industry has seen is change of attitude amongst the general population towards cosmetic surgeries and the fact that plastic surgery has now gone mainstream; whereby it is now accessible by everyone and not just a select few.

However, there have been other interesting trends seen in the industry as well, some of which are as follows:

1) Growth of Non Surgical Cosmetic Surgery: When the industry was in its nascent stage, all procedures were mainly surgical in nature. It was pretty much the same as going through a standard surgery or operation due to a health condition. Most surgeries were reconstructive surgeries helping people with birth defects or conditions arising due to accidents etc. However, today it is no longer the same. Non surgical plastic surgery has grown in popularity and the number of non surgical procedures being performed each year has gone through the roof. As a matter of fact, more than a few million Botox procedures alone are being performed each year all over the world. With several other new non surgical procedures coming out every year, the overall numbers are only expected to grow. Surgical cosmetic procedures although popular and performed in the millions per year, cannot even compare to the number of non surgical procedures being performed these days.

2) Growth of Plastic Surgery Amongst Men: Gone are the days when only male celebrities were the ones who considered any kind of cosmetic enhancement. Today men from all walks of life want to give a boost to their appearance by going through various cosmetic surgeries. Women are no longer considered as the main clientele for plastic surgeons. In fact many surgeons feel their clientele is now pretty much balanced between men and women. There are growing numbers of surgeries which target needs specific to men and many surgeons provide consulting exclusively to this group. Who would have thought just a few years ago that men would be so open about their desires for cosmetic enhancements? There has been rapid growth in the number of cosmetic surgeries being performed on men with the most common procedures being Liposuction, Botox, Rhinoplasty or Nose Jobs, Laser hair removal and eyelid surgery amongst others.

3) Growth in Technology: The plastic surgery industry is one of the main beneficiaries of the advancement in technology. In fact new innovations have made cosmetic surgeries much cheaper as well as safer than before. Technology has also affected the time taken for certain cosmetic procedures to be completed and many patients are able to recover faster from cosmetic surgeries. Of course technology has also allowed new types of surgical as well as non surgical procedures to be developed including various types of laser treatments.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Cosmetic Surgery Costs - Major Hurdle


Many people believe that cosmetic surgery costs are very high (it is really true as well) and it is the major hurdle prohibiting many potential people from getting it. But there can be variations in the cosmetic surgery costs all across the country. The costs you pay from your wallet depends on the location of the clinic where you undergo the surgery at. The present trend in the cosmetic surgery field is that people go on vacation while getting there procedure done. Typically people on vacation look for cheaper varieties of plastic surgery options in that country.

The factors, which affect the cosmetic surgery costs, are mainly two, the qualifications and expertise of the surgeon and the complexities involved in the surgery. Cosmetic surgery costs are very expensive in larger cities while they are comparably low in the central parts and countryside of the country.

Typically the face lift was costing much until now, but the present modern procedure of body lift charges much higher than face lift. Another procedure breast enhancement, which many women like to undergo are also costs quite high. Costs include the charge of the cosmetologist, the procedural and equipment charges, charges of anesthesia and also the post surgery care. If you are looking for a reshaping the nose, the cost involved is very high. The simple procedures like eye lift costs very moderate, as these procedures do not involve any complexities.

Cosmetic surgery costs stands for the surgeon's qualifications.

Surgeons who have higher qualifications and expertise will be charging more for their services. Similarly the surgeons with board certification will have more fees. In fact, if you can get hold of a clinic with less cosmetic surgery cost, it means that the surgeon in front of whom you sit for surgery is less skilled and less experienced! This is one problem, which can cause severe damage and in turn bring more complications. The people who travel to foreign countries to do the cosmetic surgery at cheap rate should take this fact into account. Please take proper care if you travel to China, India, Thailand and many such foreign countries for cheap cosmetic surgeries. The surgeons in these foreign countries will not have the skills what the surgeons in United States have.

It is true that some of the foreign surgeons have qualification similar to that of in United States as they are trained here. Some other surgeons would have got training in some other foreign countries where the training standards are less compared to America. So it is you who has to take proper decision in selecting the cosmetic surgery options. Foreign countries will offer a cheaper rate, but the side effects can be more and the corrective surgery can be much higher than the cost for the first time surgery from an experience surgeon. So please be cautious.

Cosmetic Procedures and Botox Injections


Botox is a very popular cosmetic product; so much that it is often considered as the very embodiment of cosmetic procedures. However, not many people in Brooklyn know a lot about the Botox injection and its benefits and side effects. Let's take a look at all the information you would need to know before you consider going for Botox injections:

What is Botox?
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines. It blocks the impulse transmission between the nerves and the muscles, thus temporarily reducing muscle activity and relaxing them.

Botox as a Medical Product
Not many people are aware of this, but Botox injections are also given medically, since its muscle relaxing ability can be used in treating certain medical conditions. Botox is prescribed and administered for treating cervical dystonia, a condition where the neck muscles spasm severely. It is also used for treating muscle spasms in the hands and arms, hyperhidrosis (severe underarm sweating), urinary incontinence and also to prevent headaches among chronic migraine patients.

Botox as a Cosmetic Product
As a cosmetic product, Botox can be used for treating and diminishing the following signs of aging:
• Frown lines
• Horizontal Forehead lines
• Crow's feet
• Bunny lines, which are wrinkles that form on the top of your nose when you smile
• Vertical lip lines
• Bumpy chin

It can also be injected into your neck to improve the stiffness and its look by diminishing horizontal lines and muscular cords.

How are Botox injections administered?
Botox Cosmetic injections are administered into various facial muscles, and the procedure is carried out by a medical doctor in an office or medical spa setting. The treatments are usually repeated on average three times a year to maintain the look.

How much time does it take for Botox to take effect?
This depends on a number of factors, including your medical condition, the area of your face and size of the muscle being treated, the depth of wrinkles, your metabolism and any medicines you are taking. Botox starts showing its effects about 2-3 days after the injection and the full results of Botox would be visible in about 7-10 days.

What are the side effects of Botox?
Botox cosmetic injections is not known to cause any major side effects. There might be temporary redness and swelling in the injection sites, black and blue marks are extremely rare, but if they occur they are short lasting and can easily be covered with makeup. Some people experience transient headaches which are easily relieved with Tylenol. The eyelid drop is also a very rare occurrence and usually never happens in the experienced injector hands. There was also not one report available of a spread of a toxin effect in Botox Cosmetic users.

Plastic Surgery: Satisfying Your Curiosity


It is amazing how many people make a decision to have (or not to have) plastic surgery without doing even the most basic research into the topic. We live in a world of information. This is more true than ever before now that you can find out all you need to know about nearly anything without ever getting up from your couch. Still, people depend on a doctor to tell them everything they need to know and never go further in an attempt to satisfy their curiosity. If you're planning to have a procedure-or if you've irrationally decided that cosmetic enhancement isn't for you-perhaps you should dig a bit deeper.

What's the deal with silicone implants?

Most people are aware of the fact that silicone implants were banned for a long time in the U.S., giving rise to their primary alternative-saline. In 2006, the FDA lifted the ban on silicone and they quickly became the most popular choice once against for most patients and doctors. Why did all of this happen? Silicone was banned in the 80s, following suspected links between leaks and various illnesses and problematic conditions. It was a cautionary ban and one the FDA decided was unwarranted. After studies indicated that these links were not provable, the ban was lifted. It should also be noted that the current silicone implants used in plastic surgery are gel or solid based, meaning there is no potential for migration.

What does recovery entail?

Recovery from plastic surgery should always be a major consideration for anyone contemplating a procedure. In some cases, recovery is quick and can be virtually over within a week. For other procedures, full recovery can take months and it can be debilitating for several weeks. This is something you need to know about before agreeing to go under the knife. Someone who has to so a lot of heavy lifting and vigorous activity is not going to be an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, for instance. Talk to your doctor and make sure you have made the right preparations for your recovery.

What about scarring?

People typically get plastic surgery because they want to look better. But few people would agree that scars are an aesthetic improvement. Nonetheless, scars are a part of any invasive procedure. Doctors have developed techniques that allow for minimal scarring and they have also trained to become masters in the art of hiding those scars. Nonetheless, the scars will be there and they should be something you're aware of before going through with the procedure.

Mole Remover Options And Risks


Benign skin growths commonly referred to as moles are very common. Moles are mostly harmless but can be confused with some types of skin cancers. Many people have at least one and most of them have several. Because many people see them as unattractive and they can sometimes be uncomfortable, there is a rather good market for various types of mole remover.

Many people do not think of skin tags as moles, but they are considered to be such by the American Academy of Dermatology. These are some of the easiest to remove and many at-home options are practical in dealing with them. Many people have success with at-home methods including twisting the tags repeatedly and/or tying them off with a sterile thread or dental floss.

More commonly, people think of moles as flat or slightly raised bumps on their skin. These types of blemishes are harder to remove because they are flat or nearly so. Most of them are removed by dermatologists or other medical professionals because their removal requires minor surgery. Lasers are commonly used nowadays.

All of the typical surgical risks, including the risk of infection and anesthetic reaction are possibilities with surgical removal. Also there are other risks specific to this type of surgery, such as re-growth and certain types of scarring. Any time moles are going to be removed, they should be evaluated beforehand by a dermatologist to make certain they are benign.

The home remedies that exist for the removal of a mole do not work in most of the cases. People often seek out these home remedies because of cost, since having moles removed is often considered cosmetic by insurance companies. Sometimes raised moles can be tied off in the same manner as a skin tag and left to fall off, but this doesn't work for slightly raised or flat moles. It's important to consult a dermatologist if the mole in question has changed at all - this can be a sign of cancer.

Possibly effective methods of removing moles include the use of apple cider vinegar and/or garlic. Applied to the surface of the blemish, some people see shrinkage or even complete disappearance. Some say that the skin needs to be scratched or cut before applying the substance, but others say it is not necessary. If the skin is broken in this manner, only sterile equipment should be used.

Entirely removing moles is difficult, because they often penetrate through most of the skin layers. This is a problem faced by both medical and home removal methods. Sometimes these moles re-grow harmlessly, but they can re-grow bigger and more uncomfortable, or even as a more dangerous type of lesion.

It is important to keep an eye on your moles because growth and changes in pigmentation can be a sign of cancer. If you plan to use any kind of mole remover, it's a good idea to get a doctor's opinion beforehand, just so that you know you are not removing a potentially cancerous lesion.

Cheap Cosmetic Surgery Loans - Boost Your Beauty Within Budget


Everyone is not blessed with an appealing look. But today various cosmetic surgeries have been introduced that will let you redefine your look and make you look more attractive. However, the expenses related to such surgeries are not affordable by all. To provide cheap cash solution, loan lenders have introduced cheap cosmetic surgery loans. As the name suggests, these loans comes with cheap terms and rates so that you do not face any hassle while repaying.

Liposuction, breast enhancement, hair transplant, forehead lift, breast implants, gastric implants, dental reconstruction, tummy tucks, face lifts, nose reshaping, dentistry and hair transplant are a few type of cosmetic surgeries that you can perform by applying for easy cosmetic surgery loans. You will not have to mention the lenders any details about which surgery you want to undergo. You will also have o provide any information about the surgeon to the lender.

Easy cosmetic surgery loans are available in both secured and unsecured form. By applying for the secured form you can easily get a huge amount of money. You can apply for these loans only if you are capable of pledging any collateral. Presence of collateral makes the interest rates lower, higher the loan amount and will offer you flexible repayment option.

There is no need of pledging any collateral to apply for the unsecured form of these loans. You will not have to waste your valuable time to apply for these loans because of absence of property evaluation. Tenants, non-homeowners or any other borrower who do not have any asset can get benefited from this form of loan.

Applying for the secured form of cheap cosmetic surgery loans will let you get hold of an amount ranging from 瞿10,000 to 瞿75,000 with repayment tenure of 10 to 25 years. On the other hand, against the unsecured form you will get an amount ranging from 瞿5,000 to 瞿25,000 with repayment tenure of 1 to 10 years. Proper browsing will help you easily find cheap deals of these loans.

If you are in need of cheap deals to enhance your personality then apply for cheap cosmetic surgery loans.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Last But Not the Least - Laser Hair Loss Treatment


It is usual for laser treatment for hair loss to be performed though it had yet to officially enter the market. There is nevertheless, enough evidence to suggest that laser treatment for hair loss has many benefits with a vast majority of users reporting positive results and achieving less hair loss. It has also been noticed that positive results are noticeable within six to twelve weeks of use and subtle differences are seen even after twelve weeks.

It is thus obvious that the laser treatment for hair loss is receiving very positive reviews and many national magazines, newspapers as well TV channels are reporting on the success of this method of treating hair loss. Laser treatment for hair loss is more effective when used with Minoxidil as well as with the right scalp hygiene.

Laser Treatments: A Specialist Produce

There are a number of benefits to using laser treatment for hair loss since it helps to increase blood supply to the scalp by as much as 54 percent after a single treatment. This method of treating hair loss will also deliver light energy directly from a number of different laser positions so that the correct dosage is applied. It also helps in stimulating hair follicles, stops too much hair loss and gives full, shiny, soft as well as thick and better manageable hair. In addition, there are many other benefits to laser treatment for hair loss.

No doubt laser treatment for hair loss is the best form of treatment, but it is not ideally suited for everyone. In any case, laser treatment for hair loss is the new as well as scientific approach that also does not require surgery to help in treating hair loss, thinning hair as well as other problems with the scalp. This is a method that has been medically tested and is both safe and effective.

Procedure of Laser Hair Loss Treatment:

The process behind this treatment method involves a device that has 31 therapeutic soft low light level lasers which deliver light energy that hit different places on the hair. It is based on the principles of stimulating cell metabolism while also repairing damaged cells. There is a lot of praise going around about this treatment method especially when used along with proper hair hygiene products.

Using laser treatment for hair loss can positively help as many as 93 per cent of hair loss sufferers according to study results conducted by International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology. When using a new hair loss treatment product, make sure that you follow the instructions from your doctor closely. Do not attempt to use more of the product in the hope of hastening the process of hair growth. Also, do not attempt to use the product more often or longer than what has been prescribed. Some new hair loss treatments have undesirable side effects after prolonged use.

Cosmetic Surgery - The Cost of Rhinoplasty


There is a great emphasis in the modern world on looking good. We are constantly bombarded with images of ideal beauty and many of us strive to attain this. However, some of us, the author included, are not blessed with natural beauty, for us, we need to turn to the less traditional solution of cosmetic surgery. Now, cosmetic surgery is a drastic solution, so it is important to understand the area well. If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure, then please read this article as we have some invaluable information to impart.

Popular Cosmetic Procedures in the 21st Century

There are many hundreds of procedures available to the average person. Twenty years ago, cosmetic surgery belonged firmly to the rich and affluent, fortunately, today; the cost of surgery has reduced considerably. Here are some of the more popular procedures you can buy with your hard earned cash:

Liposuction:

Liposuction is a procedure whereby fat is removed from the upper portions of the skin. This is a quick fix procedure for those of us who are overweight but who do not want to spend time dieting and exercising. Liposuction will reduce your weight, but surgeons will also reshape those areas, too, making them much more attractive than they may otherwise appear: sculptured and thinned thighs, for example.

Face lifts:

This is generally a procedure undertaken by people of a certain age. As we age, our faces tend to sag, a face lift is used to tighten the skin and create a more youthful appearance. Some people claim that a good facelift can take up to 20 years off your face - although we think it may be more realistic to expect 10 years off your appearance.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Cosmetic Surgery?

Clearly, the exact cost varies from individual to individual and from procedure to procedure, however, it is possible to provide a rough guide to prices.

Botox:

Expect to pay between 瞿150 and 瞿450 depending on where you are having the injections (e.g. forehead injections are more expensive than armpit injections because the procedure is more dangerous on the face due to the high levels of nerve endings - and, if you were wondering, many people have Botox in their armpits because it reduces sweating).

Breast Implants:

These can be very expensive, especially in the larger cities, such as London, where you can expect to pay as much as 瞿15,000 for implants undertaken by the country's leading surgeons. Cosmetic surgery North West is cheaper, and you could find a surgeon who will undertake the operation for as little as ?瞿6000. To get the best prices, it is worth shopping around.

Rhinoplasty (- nose job) will generally cost not more that 瞿4000, but again, it does depend on the individual and how much work is involved.

Cosmetic surgery can be expensive, then, but there are plenty of procedures that are relatively cheap. For example, a good way to rejuvenate your facial skin is to have microdermabrasion, which will cost as little as 瞿100 for a full course.

Why Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors Are Necessary to Compensate Victims of Beauty Treatments


Cosmetic surgery is defined as the reshaping of the surfaces of the outer body for the purposes of aesthetic improvement. Cosmetic surgery evolved from plastic surgery, which was originally intended as a reconstructive or corrective medical science. The cult of cosmetic surgical enhancement continues to grow at an astonishing rate, with the UK industry recording a 25% rise in revenues between 2009 and 2010. There is seemingly no doubt that much of this popularity is fed by the daily diet of news stories regarding surgically-enhanced celebrities. Young people especially seek to emulate their idols by resulting their bodies, while the startling and impressive results of many cosmetic procedures are on daily display in the press. Men are far from immune to this phenomenon, with males aged between 20 and 40 representing the fastest growing customer demographic in cosmetic surgery.

Once seen as the preserve of aging Hollywood celebrities, cosmetic surgery has lost any social stigma that was once attached to it, and has entered firmly into mainstream consciousness. A combination of falling prices and improving surgical techniques has made cosmetic enhancement accessible to a far wider potential customer base than previously. Breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction and Botox treatments for example are now seen as relatively routine procedures, especially among the affluent and the young. People in competitive, highly-paid jobs often opt for cosmetic surgery as a means of getting ahead in the corporate world. Tens of thousands of British people now opt for surgical enhancement every year, at one of the estimated 5, 000 clinics set up to serve them. The desire for eternal youth and aesthetic improvement is common among every social strata. It is a basic and accepted fact of modern life that people increasingly judge others primarily on their looks.

One of the major problems with the cosmetic surgery industry in the UK is the sheer number of procedures on offer, and the number of practitioners willing to perform them. Recent surveys have found that the majority of clinics in the UK simply do not have sufficient experience to carry out many of the complicated invasive surgical procedures they offer. Regulation of the industry is ineffective, and many clinics seek to attract new customers by offering the widest possible range of services. A high percentage of cosmetic surgery patients are repeat customers, undergoing their second or third operation, and this increases the real value of every new client that a clinic can secure. Ruthless sales tactics include interest-free finance, 2 for 1 offers, and non-refundable deposits. Driven by profit, clinics also often recommend inappropriate procedures to clients and create unrealistic expectations as to the likely results.

Cosmetic surgeons owe a basic duty of care to their clients, and are expected by law to carry out cosmetic surgical procedures with reasonable care and skill. Specific medical complications include allergic reactions to anesthetic, wound infection, and nerve damage potentially causing loss of physical sensation. A skillful surgeon must monitor patients to prevent pockets of blood or fluid from accumulating under the skin. It is also essential that a medical consultation has been carried out to identify contra-indications which make surgery unsuitable for an individual, such as pregnancy and diabetes. Botched surgery can lead to severe scarring and disfigurement. Often the emotional fall-out will be severe, destroying a person's self-confidence and causing depression. The pain and suffering from a cosmetic surgical procedure gone wrong may be intense, and may impact on every area of a person's life.

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.

My Review For Skinceuticals Phloretin CF - Does it Work?


I first heard about Skinceuticals Phloretin CF from my dermatologist. I'm not the kind of person to go out and just buy something on the spot because it's recommended - I really like to do a lot of due diligence before I part with my hard earned cash.

Especially for the price! A full 1oz bottle will run you over a hundred bucks and that's a pretty penny for a single mom like myself.

If you're not familiar with Phloretin CF here's a quick rundown on what it's supposed to do. It's in the "topical antioxidant" category and it's ingredients are 2% Phloretin, 10% L-Ascorbic Acid, and.5% Ferulic Acid. It also contains denatured alcohol which is known to dry your skin, so if your skin is pretty dry already I would take note of that. Oily skinned women rejoice as the alcohol helps remove any excess sebum which is a plus.

So What Is This Ingredient Phloretin, Anyway?

I did some research on what exactly Phloretin does and here's what I found. It's an ingredient that comes from apple tree leaves and I found out in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that it's been proven to protect from sun damage.

The study also showed that this ingredient protected against skin reddening and DNA damage caused by UV radiation.

Does It Really Work?

Some users have experienced not so great results - one in particular complained about it drying out their skin. This is due to the denatured alcohol in the product and if you already have dry skin then you'll probably get the same negative results. However if you have oily skin it might be worth giving it a try.

Scoliosis Surgery - Medically Necessary or Cosmetic?


Over 38,000 scoliosis surgery procedures (adult and adolescent patients combine) are performed in the United States every year and there is no medical indication for the highly invasive procedure with poor long-term outcomes and a mortality rate (death) equal to that of swine flu (H1N1 virus) ["fatality rate for swine flu could be anywhere between 0.1%-0.35%" and for scoliosis surgery the "mortality rate was 0.17% and 0.40% for pediatric and adult patients".] The primary and only indication for scoliosis surgery is cosmetic improvement. Which, in all fairness is an important aspect and treatment outcome in scoliosis treatment, however current research suggests it doesn't succeed in the in its attempts to correct the spinal deformity associated with idiopathic scoliosis either.

  1. Scoliosis surgery fails to improve cosmetic spinal deformity in scoliosis. First of all, no seems to think about the massive scar the length of the spine that results from this procedure (that will ruin bikini season) and a recently published study on the topic of spinal fusion surgery and cosmetic improvement concluded, "Radiographic and physical measures of deformity do not correlate well with patients' and parents' perceptions of appearance. Patients and parents do not strongly agree on the cosmetic outcome of AIS surgery." (Smith 2006)

  2. It does not eliminate pain. Pain is not an indication for scoliosis surgery and many studies find that many patients are actually in more pain 3-5 years post op than pre-op. Don't believe me? Check out what I dub "the most unhappy place on earth" which is the scoliosis surgery revision section of the National Scoliosis Foundation Scoliosis Forum.

  3. It does not improve quality of life. When asked if scoliosis surgery benefits the patient researcher Berven stated in the September 2007 SPINE Journal "there are no current, definitive studies that answer the question posed above." Which is odd, because a 17 year post follow-up study found 40% of the post scoliosis surgery patients were legally defined as "severely handicapped".

This is in sharp contrast with the 50 year follow up study of un-treated scoliosis patients who seemed to have an significantly increased quality of life than many of the post fusion patients. Surgery does not improve lung function. A published study in the Journal of bone and joint surgery found

"no remarkable improvement in pulmonary function more than two years after surgery; three patients showed deterioration. The results of tests performed less than two years postoperatively showed no improvement in pulmonary function, irrespective of the types of assessments used." Furthermore, an even more recent study from ModernMedicine.com concluded, "This study supports the previously published theory that any surgical procedure that disrupts the chest wall has a negative impact on pulmonary function,"

It does not necessarily halt curve progression in adults. The average curve progression rate in adults with un-treated idiopathic scoliosis is 1-3 degrees a year. Post scoliosis surgery studies indicate a rate of curve progression in post spine surgery adults at Initial average loss of correction post spinal surgery is 3.2 degrees the first year, 6.5 degrees after two years, and 1.0 degrees every year after that of the course of the patient's life.

I believe Dr. Paul Harrington, known for inventing the scoliosis surgery that implants metal rods in scoliotic spines, stated in 1963, "metal does not cure the disease of scoliosis, which is a condition involving much more than the spinal column". I highly encourage every patient whom is considering any treatment to dig deep into the research available (both pro and con), ask your doctor as many questions as you can think of, and have your x-rays read by at least 2 radiologist (non-surgeons), because they are unbias and the Cobb angle measurement (used to determine the "need" for scoliosis surgery for some reason) has a inter-examiner measurement error of +/-5-10 degrees. Everyone has the right to make a truly informed decision.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Types of Cosmetic Surgery


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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Cosmetic Surgery is Called Plastic Surgery


If you're wondering why cosmetic surgery is called "plastic surgery," you are not alone. It is a rather interesting name for the surgical procedure that helps people defy the effects of aging. First of all, the word "plastic" comes from the Greek word "plastikos." This means to mold or to shape, which is exactly what cosmetic surgery does. It reshapes the face by eliminating imperfections.

Believe it or not, cosmetic surgery goes back centuries. Skin grafts were used by the ancient Indians to reconstruct a part of the body. The Romans used cosmetic surgery to repair the damaged ears of their soldiers. Basically, the surgical procedure was inspired by war. Soldiers would become disfigured and cosmetic surgery was used to try to make them as normal as possible. Cosmetic surgery became especially popular during World War I. Doctors from various countries such as Canada and New Zealand were known to perform these procedures. The Canadian doctor well known for plastic surgery procedures is Dr. E. Fulton Risdon, who continued to practice plastic surgery after helping soldiers during World War I. The doctor from New Zealand was Doctor Sir Harold Gillies. Both have been considered fathers of plastic surgery. It was Sir Gillie's cousin, Archibald McIndoe who was a plastic surgery pioneer in World War II when he started treating RAF air crews.

The evolution

Once it was discovered how effective plastic surgery was during wartime, doctors began getting the idea that they could perform plastic surgery on people who wanted to change something about their appearance. This is how the obsession with plastic surgery was born. Everyone wanted to be molded into something different, especially celebrities. Celebrities have to be in the public eye. Unfortunately, celebrities age just like everyone else, but the public doesn't want to see them age. The public wants them to stay timeless, which is what they try to do. It used to be that plastic surgery techniques made it obvious that someone had "work done." However, the times are changing and so is plastic surgery.

Now a person can have a plastic surgery procedure done and it doesn't even look like they had surgery. In the meantime, techniques have been adopted that make the process easier. This means that something that cost $10,000 ten years ago now costs $2,000 to $5,000. The difference is quite significant. However, the difference in the entire industry is quite significant. Everyday people are now receiving plastic surgery. It is something that is becoming even higher in demand. Because of this demand, the plastic surgeon has an excellent job and doesn't have any issues with job security, especially if he or she knows what they're doing. The best plastic surgeons live rather elaborate lifestyles.

The legacy

Who knew that cosmetic surgery would be something enjoyed by the masses? The procedure itself is not something that is enjoyed, but the results are worth the money paid. The healing time has also decreased throughout the years. It used to be that a lot of time was needed in the healing process. Now bruising and scarring is minimized significantly. This is because of the many innovative changes that have occurred throughout the years.

So if anyone asks you why plastic surgery is called "plastic surgery," you can tell them that it has nothing to do with plastic. It only has to do with the origin of the word "plastic" and how it means to mold or shape something. The only plastic involved in the process is plastic that makes up the utensils. It is basically just a nickname given to the surgery and the surgeons who perform these surgeries.

Cosmetic Surgery Is Becoming More and More Popular Amongst Brides-To-Be


Here are the Top 10 Questions & Answers why women are undergoing more often prenuptial plastic surgery.

1. What are the most popular wedding-related treatments that are being performed?

Minimal or non invasive procedures like Botox-Treatments for expression lines, Hyaluronic acid to treat deeper wrinkles or to give more volume to the lips, light peelings for skin irregularities, but as well liposculpturing to enhance the silhouette for a gorgeous wedding dress or blepharoplasty (eye-lid lift) to enhance the shape of the eyes and to take away a tired look.

2. How can cosmetic surgery help a bride where make-up and a nice hairstyle cannot?

Cosmetic surgery can correct imperfections or asymmetries make up can't cover, and it can work as well on the general appearance of the body, giving the bride a body-contour which allows for larger choice of dresses which enhance her body, not hiding it.

3. Do some women use the fact that they are getting married as an incentive to have a cosmetic procedure done that perhaps has always bothered them?

Yes, they do indeed, and they often bring their future husband to approve (and to pay;-).

4. Are women ever advised against cosmetic surgery for her wedding day?

In some cases because they simply did not need anything, in other cases because there was not enough time to ensure a complete healing or disappearance of bruising.

5. What is an example of the most successful procedure for a bride to be?

The correction of a big asymmetry of her upper eye lids which she had since birth. Afterward the bride often sends photos from her wedding with close-up shots of a pair of beautiful eyes full of happiness.

6. Are there any new or cutting edge techniques available?

Cutting edge plastic surgeons always thrive to stay up-to-date with the new techniques; for example by going to many international meetings and congresses in the course of one year, as to insure that patients can enjoy the best treatment available. New treatments include the wide field of fat transfer to enhance volume in face or the body, minimal scar procedures, new tissue glues for a better and quicker healing etc.

7. How long before a wedding day is it recommended that a woman started the process for cosmetic surgery?

If the treatment is surgical, it should be carried out at least 3 months before the wedding to make sure that the healing process does not interfere with the preparations/rehearsals and that the final result is visible. In the case of minimal invasive treatments like Botox or facial wrinkle treatments with hyaluronic acid, minimum 10-14 days before so that any eventual occurring swelling or bruising is gone.

8. Is there a trend in the type or number of people now looking for cosmetic surgery? How much of it is wedding related?

Aesthetic surgery is a steadily growing field; more and more people are interested and are really looking into various procedures to enhance their outcome. A before-wedding consultation with a Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon becomes more and more a subject brides-to-be talk about with the same normality as the hair stylist and make-up artists they already talked about.

9. Is plastic surgery only for rich women?

Cosmetic surgery has become more and more accessible in our days; it is definitely no longer a domain only for rich women.

10. What top tips would you give to a woman thinking about having cosmetic surgery for her wedding day or in general?

First, stay natural, don't overdo it, just enhance your own beauty to the point that it shines on your great day. Second, take enough time before the wedding instead of seeing doctors and rush the treatment. In general anybody who wants to undergo this kind of treatments must feel totally confident with themselves and with their treating doctor. Never do anything because you feel under pressure or feel obligated to fit into a pattern.

Tips and Tricks On Microdermabrasion


Microdermabrasion is a procedure that aims to clear dead and dull skin cells from the surface of the topmost skin layer. In the process, it also stimulates collagen production for filling fine lines and diminishing superficial scars that may have been brought about by acne. For treating acne, the procedure helps clear out dirt from tiny skin pores so that accumulation of more debris and bacteria could be controlled.

This treatment procedure consists of several sessions, which are required for achieving ideal and desired benefits. But there is nothing to worry about; scheduling a treatment session for microdermabrasion doesn't mean lengthy trips to the dermatologist's clinic or spa. Some specialists offer home services for their clients' convenience. Each session also lasts less than hour so that you could return to your typical chores and activities immediately after.

It is important to first consult with the dermatologist or skincare specialist before undergoing the procedure. Special pre-treatment care is not actually necessary, but it is helpful to understand what the procedure is all about. Here are several tips and tricks that could help you achieve the best results when undergoing microdermabrasion.

Prior to Each Treatment Session

Tedious preparation, as mentioned, is not actually required prior to undergoing this skin treatment procedure. However, several skincare specialists and those who have actually undergone microdermabrasion have shared these tips to help prevent any unwanted consequences that may possibly ensue.

  • Stop usage or products that may contain salicylic acid especially those topical solutions. Salicylic acid typically induces skin peeling in a harsher way. Peeled skin must not undergo microdermabrasion because further damage to the skin may result.

  • Cease using other acne treatment products like creams, acne face wash, and topical solutions at least five days before the scheduled microdermabrasion session. This is to ensure that the procedure brings about its best results.

  • Try to stop smoking at least a week before the scheduled procedure. Doing so could help further improve overall blood circulation especially in the facial area.

  • At least two weeks prior to the treatment session, avoid waxing or sunbathing. Also avoid collagen injections and chemical peels to prevent possible serious damages and unlikely consequences to the skin.

Finding and Choosing a Specialist

To be safe, make sure the procedure is performed by a licensed dermatologist, skincare professional, or clinician. Educate yourself as to where you could get the procedure done. There are beauty salons, day spas, med spas, dermatology centers, or cosmetic surgery clinics that perform such a treatment procedure.

You can also choose to have a board-certified surgeon perform the procedure on you. Just be reminded that choosing such a professional may also entail greater professional costs. Stick to the schedule when you set an appointment for each session.

It's also advisable to discuss your decision to undergo microdermabrasion with your doctor. Several acute and chronic conditions may increase risk of possible complications. In such a case, you might be advised against having microdermabrasion.

And lastly, prepare ample budget for the skin treatment procedure. Microdermabrasion is truly effective especially as an acne treatment and acne scar removal option. But in reality, its main drawback could be the cost. If you are on a tight budget, undergoing the procedure could be a financial strain. Take note that the treatment requires several sessions, scheduled within a few weeks or months. Each session may cost about $80 to $200. Some professionals could even charge more than those amounts. Prepare your budget before considering microdermabrasion.

Age Management Options - The Botox Cosmetic Injection


To treat aging skin which has been affected by the elements over time, many seek out treatments that are temporary but which have the ability to treat signs of aging in a considerable way for months at a time. Injections are a growing trend in the age management field of the medical world. For many, the use of injections manages aging and is an alternative to more invasive treatments.

One popular treatment is the botox cosmetic injection which has grown in popularity as a facial injection which helps to prevent lines from forming or remaining visible by slowing facial muscle expressions. If the muscles in the face are not granted the ability to move and are stiffened, then lines which were initially caused by creasing in the face due to muscular movement over time are diminished. The treatment is widely popular due to its being an alternative to surgery for some who are only seeking to prevent lines from remaining visible, but who do not wish to have more invasive procedures performed. In this way, the botox cosmetic injection is a minimally invasive alternative to facelifts or other types of surgery. The treatment works best on wrinkles which are the result of motion in the face, called dynamic wrinkles, rather than wrinkles that are visible with no muscular motion. By blocking nerve communication between facial muscles, the injections cause wrinkles to subside in time and they are no longer visible.

A botox cosmetic injection is not permanent and must be repeated to maintain the results. A repeat injection is usually performed every few months or as the effect begins to wear off. There are benefits and the risks associated with the treatment and the injections may not be suitable for everyone. Since the injected solution is made of a toxin and also contains dairy, some individuals will not be able to use it. Furthermore, since the toxin and active ingredient in the solution helps to prevent the nerves in the facial muscles from communicating, the injections become more and more effective with time. The effect that the injections may have on the muscles being able to function at a later time is questionable. These issues should be most certainly discussed with a trained dermatologist that is experienced with a botox cosmetic injection. Asking plenty of questions is important. If the patient has any infections or existing allergies, the treatment may not be recommended. A trained dermatologist can discuss the procedure with patients to determine their candidacy.

As far as minimally invasive age management treatments go, the new wave of injections that treat and help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles are viable options. It is up to the patient to decide if the treatments are necessary and if they are a good option for their particular skin challenges. Conducting your own personal research on the procedure is always a good idea to get a balanced view of the entire treatment from start to finish. Furthermore, finding a dermatologist that is experienced and caring is an important part of ensuring satisfaction with the procedure.

Where to Get Your Cosmetic Surgery


Having surgery at the hospital

Most cosmetic surgery is outpatient surgery, meaning that we don't spend the night in the hospital. That doesn't mean that we can't have surgery at the hospital. Many hospitals have outpatient departments for cosmetic surgery.

If we have cosmetic surgery in an accredited hospital, we don't have to concern ourselves with whether the surgeon is qualified. The medical staff makes sure that surgeons function only within their scopes of practice and are trained and qualified to perform our surgery. Similarly, if we're choosing to have surgery in the hospital, we can be sure that the personnel and systems in place protect we. You don't have to concern ourselves with whether the operating room conditions are ideal or wonder whether the equipment and protocols are in place to ensure our safety.

Hospitals are accredited, and the accrediting agency sets standards to protect us.

Going to the surgical-center

Another safe option is to go to an independent ambulatory surgery center (ASC), which deals only with outpatient surgery, including cosmetic surgery. These facilities have medical staff requirements and generally follow scope-of-practice protocols. They are like the hospitals in terms of equipment, safety, drugs, crash carts, personnel, and so on. Each year, millions of patients undergo outpatient surgery in these facilities. These independent organizations have all of the advantages of the hospital in terms of medical staff and safety, but generally we can't stay overnight should we need or want to do so.

Many plastic surgeons prefer to use an ASC rather than a hospital because the ASC staffs are more familiar with outpatient surgery and the special needs of the cosmetic patient. The advantages to the patient in terms of surgeon vetting and safety are obvious. Many surgeons who use an ASC do so because they practice alone or feel that they want to focus on being a surgeon rather than running a surgery center in their offices.

Using an office-based surgery suite

With the large increase in cosmetic surgery and the strong need for patient privacy, many plastic surgeons and other surgeons doing cosmetic surgery have constructed surgery suites in their own offices. You'll find such suites more common with groups of surgeons who are busy enough to need multiple operating rooms on a daily basis. For example South Coast Med Spa a Laser Hair Removal Orange County clinic is an office based surgery center.

When one of the accrediting agencies certifies these office-based suites, we can be sure that the facilities are sophisticated and up-to-date and contain the same equipment and trained staff we'll find in good hospital or ASC operating rooms.

Unless certified for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) provide post surgical recovery staffing. The suites have the same safety levels as hospital operating rooms, with similar equipment, staffing, and emergency drugs and procedures. Like the ASC, the biggest physical and functional difference is that we can't be admitted onto the hospital floor after our surgery is complete.

Office-based outpatient operating facilities have many advantages. Use of these centers virtually always saves us money.

The surgeon who owns the facility staffs the operating room with technicians and nurses who are or who become cosmetic surgery specialists. Your comfort level is usually higher, and we usually feel more comfortable with office staff that we probably already know.