What to Go Over With Your Doctor Before Cosmetic Surgery

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is not every day that people go through cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery can be done for either personal or medical reasons. If you are scheduled for cosmetic surgery is important that you properly communicate with your doctor. Many people do not properly communicate with their doctor and this could lead to a number of problems and complications. Here are some things you should bring up with your cosmetic surgeon before the surgery.

Mental and Emotional Problems. Many psychological problems can be a result of cosmetic surgery. It is important to know what type of mental stress you might be under after your cosmetic surgery. Some cosmetic surgeons even require their patients to undergo a mental evaluation before performing the surgery. This allows doctors to rule out any potential psychological or emotional problems that could result from cosmetic surgery.

Expectations. It is important to go over with your doctor the exact expectations that you have for the cosmetic surgery. Many people enter cosmetic surgery with one expectation and come out with something different. It is important to know what you expect and what is realistic from the surgery so there are no disappointments. Disappointment after surgery can often lead to mental emotional problems.

Medical History. It is important to go over your medical history with the cosmetic surgery doctor. Your doctor will go over with you whether or not you’re healthy enough to undergo cosmetic surgery. They will usually ask you about your medical history such as symptoms, ailments, or diseases you may be suffering from. They will also ask you any medications that you are currently taking. These can all play a role in whether or not your cosmetic surgery should be performed.

Scarring. Almost all cosmetic surgeries will have some type of scarring after the procedure. Once you have been cleared to have cosmetic surgery performed it is important to go over what type of scarring you should expect. This will help you prepare for any physical scars you will see as a result of the cosmetic surgery.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Tagged With: ,

Opting for a Neck Lift

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In most people, a sagging neck is the first sign of age. In anyone who has ever lost a significant amount of weight, loose skin around the neck area may be a problem. As we age, band lines and double chins add years to our features, regardless of how young the face may actually look. A neck lift may be one of the first procedures to consider when wanting to look more youthful.

A neck lift can be performed a few different ways. For skin that has simply lost elasticity, an incision near the ears is made and the skin is simply pulled up, much like a face-lift. When excessive fatty deposits are a factor, liposuction is necessary. In some cases, a platysmaplasty is needed to tighten up the neck muscles and get rid of those unsightly band lines.

Neck lifts are not only for those combating aging. Even teenagers may be good candidates for the surgery. To understand realistic outcomes, find a well-qualified surgeon who will map out the procedure and help you understand every facet.

If liposuction is required, expect excessive swelling and bruising for over a week after surgery. Bandages are used to minimize swelling as much as possible and must be worn for a couple of weeks. One potential risk of a neck lift is permanent numbness of the skin. Scar tissue may also build up, causing the skin to pucker. Minimize your risks by choosing a highly qualified surgeon and following all pre- and post-operation directions. Research the procedure thoroughly and ask your surgeon what type of equipment is used. Also make sure to see before and after photos done by the physician.

A neck lift is an intensive surgery and can cost up to $8,000. Insurance does not cover the procedure so check with your surgeon about any financing options.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Tagged With: ,

Latisse

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You have probably seen those Brooke Sheilds and Claire Danes commercials advertising the eyelash-lengthening drug Latisse. If you spend countless minutes every morning applying multiple coats of mascara only to balk at the reflection of spidery, clumpy lashes in the mirror, Latisse may be the answer.

Latisse was actually discovered by accident. Researching discovered its unique ability when glaucoma patients taking the drug Lumigan began to grow longer, darker and fuller lashes. Latisse was developed using the same active ingredient found in Lumigan. Unlike Lumigan, which is a drop applied directly in the eye, Latisse is applied topically along the lash line with an applicator. Applicators come in the package and may only be used once.

The drug has been shown to increase eyelash length by 25% and give you a 106% increase in thickness and fullness. There is a less chance that the eyelashes will darken. Results are fully visible in sixteen weeks but the results only last as long as you use the product. Once you discontinue use, the lashes return to the way they were before using Latisse. To maintain results, physicians recommend less-frequent use than previously directed.

Like any cosmetic drug, Latisse comes with risks and side effects. The most common is brown pigmentation within the colored part of the eye itself. Browning of the iris is most likely permanent. A less common side effect is a darkening of the skin where the product is applied, but this is most likely reversible upon discontinuation of the product. For people taking antibiotics or who have severe allergies or certain diseases, Latisse is not recommended. It does not harm eyesight and can be flushed out with water in the event that any solution gets in the eye.

One Latisse kit costs about $120 but you may save money by asking your physician about discounts or promotions.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Face Tagged With: ,

Laser Resurfacing

January 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Laser resurfacing is becoming a popular solution for rejuvenating damaged or aging skin. They can remove birthmarks and port wine stains, tattoos, moles, unwanted body hair, psoriasis, acne and scarring.

The word “laser” is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” It sounds like a mouthful, but basically lasers create intense beams of light, either infrared or ultraviolet, and that light is converted to heat when the skin absorbs it. Whatever area the laser is targeted on, the tissue there reacts. The two basic types of laser beams are pulsing and continuous. Pulsed beams are switched on and off rapidly and a continuous wave emits, you guessed it, a continuous wave of light.

Facial resurfacing is generally done with an ablative laser, which means that the laser actually removes some of your skin. These are more invasion than non-ablative lasers, which heat and stimulate tissue, but non-ablative lasers usually require multiple treatments.

If your skin is prone to keloid scars or if you scar easily from minor cuts, or if your skin is hyperpigmented or hypopigmented, then laser resurfacing is not recommended. Some places offer free consultations to see if you qualify as a candidate.

Risks associated with laser resurfacing are allergic reactions to anesthesia, burns or blistering, infections, scarring, and change in skin pigmentations. Dormant viruses can also be reawakened, such as herpes or other infections. Choosing a qualified physician to perform the procedure helps minimize risks.

Laser resurfacing cost varies based on the procedure and how much surface area is treated, but it generally ranges between $1,500 and $6,000. Some clinics offer payment plans or other financing options for qualifying patients.

Recovery times also vary based on the procedure and type of laser used. Skin irritation, redness and swelling are common and it can take a few days to a few months for the redness to completely fade.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Face, Females Health Tagged With: ,

Laser Hair Removal

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
hair follicle

Image via Wikipedia

Laser hair removal first became available during the 1970s. It had been experimented with for a couple of decades before that, so it’s definitely not a new technology. With rapid acceptability among dermatologists, laser hair removal is becoming more popular than ever.

This medical procedure uses a laser to directly remove unwanted hair follicles. The laser is an intense, pulsating beam of light that passes through the outer layers of the epidermis to get to the root of the follicle. The heat intensity of the laser damages the follicle, preventing growth. The effect may not be permanent in every case and it may take several treatments and regular maintenance to be completely hair-free. Because it’s a medical procedure, only highly trained medical professionals may perform the laser hair removal.

The most common risks associated with laser hair removal are skin irritation and pigment changes. Because the laser targets the hair pigment (melanin), it may also lighten or darken the surrounding skin. The procedure works best for individuals with light skin and dark hair. Pigment changes are more likely to affect people with darker complexions. Skin irritation is common with some scabbing possible.

To prepare for the procedure, avoid plucking and waxing. These methods affect the hair follicle and can make laser hair removal less effective. Shaving may be recommended before your appointment because it preserves the follicle and hair shaft. Be sure to stay out of the sun and avoid tanning. If you are already tan, wait until the tan fades before having the procedure, since most side effects occur on tan skin.

You will probably notice some redness and swelling following the procedure. This is normal and should last a few hours after the laser hair removal. The area may also sting for a couple of days. Only wash the skin with soap and water and avoid picking or scrubbing and sun exposure.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Face Tagged With: ,

How to Know if you Need Cosmetic Surgery

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are as many reasons to seek some form of cosmetic surgery as there are areas of the body that can be surgically modified. Though we may be driven by advanced expectations of appearance in today’s world, the choice to pursue cosmetic surgery is entirely yours. The media, for example, has had a substantial impact on the cosmetic surgery industry. Often idealized physical models are used in many forms of visual advertising. Even in these cases, images are sometimes photoshopped. Models often look completely different with and without the use of make-up. However, there are still many legitimate reasons to pursue cosmetic surgery of some kind. Knowing these reasons can be helpful if you find yourself on the fence of whether or not to pursue a procedure.

Sometimes cosmetic surgery is needed for both functional and aesthetic reasons. This is a very legitimate reason to pursue some form of procedure. Oftentimes serious accidents can effect one’s ability to perform physical tasks. In many of these cases there are procedures available for reconstructing the particular area in a way that restores function and sensation. These procedures are also not without their aesthetic considerations. Naturally occurring deformities can also impact various physical capacities. Usually these type of procedures are considered early in one’s development.

Purely cosmetic desires are also acceptable. You do not have to be deformed in some way to qualify as a legitimate candidate for cosmetic surgery. However, it may be helpful here to way the risks against the potential rewards, not to mention expense. There are many types of procedures that have a high risk of complication. Also, there are many situations where patients report dissatisfaction with the results, sometimes even after multiple procedures in the same area. In the end, the need for cosmetic surgery is often entirely subjective. Don’t let anyone decide for you.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery Tagged With: ,

Abdominal Etching

December 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Before and after surgery photos taken on patie...
Image via Wikipedia

Abdominal etching is like liposuction for people who don’t actually have enough fat for traditional liposuction. In a way, etching is more of a form of lipo-sculpting that involves the removal of only a small portion of fat. However, this fat and muscle tissue are shaped to form what appears to be a more athletically contoured stomach and chest. In this sense, it’s like liposuction for people who don’t need liposuction.

The procedure starts with making detailed markings that will serve as guidelines. These markings outline the patient’s existing muscle structure. Essentially the procedure will involve highlighting this structure and hopefully producing some sort of athletic definition. This includes the removal of fat in specific areas and other techniques that provide shape.

You cannot be too thin, you cannot be too fat. Very few are actually right for this procedure. The patient needs a certain amount of fat for it to work. Too much fat or loose skin is not manageable but neither is too little fat. The ideal is about one to two centimeters of pinchable belly fat.

The post-operative complications are numerous. Such complications require extra care down the road. Pain and swelling can last for months. Fluid can build up in the area, and scarring can be very severe.

In the end, most but not all are satisfied with the results. The experience of complications can be painful and costly. Sometimes a second surgical procedure may be required. Like all cosmetic surgeries, you have to really want the procedure for it to be an experience worth doing.

This particular procedure also requires the patient to be in pretty decent shape to being with. From this perspective it seems that even the most ideal candidate sfor this procedure would not be too far from being able to make significant impacts with diet and physical activity.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Health, Medicine, Plastic Surgery Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Gluteoplasty

December 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Gluteoplasty is essentially what it sounds like. ‘Gluteo’ refers to the gluteus or the buttocks, while ‘plasty’ refers to a shaping procedure. Thus there are different types of gluteoplasty or surgical cosmetic procedures involving the buttocks. Mostly female and transgender patients pursue this type of modification. Still, there are several options and details worth mentioning.

One such procedure is buttock augmentation. This can either involve the lifting of the buttocks or the insertion of synthetic implants. The most common type of procedure is what is known as the ‘Brazilian butt lift.’ It typically involves the selected redistribution of fat in the buttocks. In this type of fat transfer, liposuction is used to extract fat before much of this fat is purified and then injected back into specific areas of the body. This could include other areas of the buttocks, the abdomen, or wherever it happens to produce the best shape. The amount of fat injections needed varies from patient to patient. Obviously, the more work that is needed usually involves a greater amount of fat redistribution.

Buttock implants are very strong and made specifically for use in the area of the buttocks. They are usually made of some type of elastomer. The implants are carefully grafted to muscle tissue in a very strategic area so as to accommodate for flexibility and activities such as sitting. Transgender forms of augmentation usually include a type of hip enlargement in order to achieve a more feminine shape in this region.

Gluteoplasty, however, is not without its risks. In the past, complications have proven possible. For instance there is the recorded death of Solange Magnano who is thought to have died from complications relating to her gluteoplasty. It is thought that a chemical agent used in the process traveled to other places in her body and that this was the cause of her death.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Health, Plastic Surgery Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Recovering From Tummy Tuck Surgery

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Recovery Room
Image by interplast via Flickr

The Day of Surgery
Healing from a tummy tuck takes time. Knowing what to expect those first few days after your surgery will help you prepare and be less anxious. After reporting to the surgical center or hospital, your doctor will visit with you and answer any last minute questions. Nurses will check your vital signs and establish an IV. Immediately after your tummy tuck surgery, you will spend a length of time in the recovery room. Nurses will continue to check your vital signs and monitor your recovery from the anesthetic. Your surgeon will report to your waiting family or friend and give instructions regarding your post-surgical care. When you have recovered sufficiently, you will be taken to your car in a wheelchair. Although you may be talking and feel lucid, chances are you will remember very little of this day.

The Next Two Days
You will probably experience more discomfort than you were expecting. Your surgeon will have prescribed a narcotic pain reliever. You may also have a pain pump that delivers medication to the site of your surgery, helping to control the pain. During your surgery, drains were inserted into your abdomen to help collect fluids. Your helper will assist you in emptying your drains, and in measuring and recording the amount of fluid accumulated. You may also been prescribed a compression bandage or garment which will help control swelling and give you added abdominal support. Bed rest these first two days is the normal advice.

A Week Later
By the end of the week you will be feeling much better. Stitches are usually removed after about seven days. Drains are removed when fluid levels drop sufficiently. Unless otherwise instructed, a tummy tuck patient should walk as soon as possible. Eating and drinking regularly will help your system recover more quickly and your prescriptions will be more easily tolerated. Every day you will feel better and better, until one day you will realize you not only feel great, you look great, too.

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Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck Tagged With: , , ,

Laser Hair Removal

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Hair removal by way of the use of laser devices has been commercially available since the 70s. Though the light-based devices used are technically not lasers, the practice still mostly refers to the procedure as a laser based form of treatment. This technology is not only thought to be safe, but it is now regarded as a highly effective method of hair removal. Many hair removal processes are short term. Some of the other long term solutions are thought to be less safe than laser removal.

This is due to the nature of the technology. Laser hair removal involves selective heating by way of light. Lasers seeks to heat melanin in the area of hair growth. This essentially damages the follicle by way of heat without heating other areas of the skin. This process is a long term method that significantly reduces hair re-growth in the target area.

The disadvantages of laser removal are relatively few. Though technology is improving, laser removal is not as effective for light colored hair. Electrolysis seems to be better for light colored hair and it is thought to be a more permanent solution. However, recent studies have found that laser removal is significantly faster, less painful, and in some cases more reliable.

The potential side-effects associated with laser hair removal are also relatively minor. There may be some irritation in the area including redness or itching. A mild amount of pain usually occurs during treatment. If the laser type is appropriate for the task and the operator is somewhat skilled, patients usually won’t have to worry about any of the extreme side effects that have been documented. These laser devices can cause burns and follicle infections if they are not used properly. In the end, laser hair removal is like most other forms of treatment in that you probably want to depend on skilled professionals.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Health, Plastic Surgery Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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