Health Tips | Medical and Plastic Surgery Society

Today’s Most Popular Procedures

June 20, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

If you’re thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery, keep in mind that these are medical procedures with varying recovery times. Here’s a list of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures and the effects to expect in the first days.

Botox Injections
Injections of Botox, or botulinum toxin, smooth wrinkles and frown lines. The injections paralyze the muscles, so you may experience decreased movement. However, the results aren’t permanent, and you’ll need injections every three to four months.

Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasy, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that reshapes the eyelids. People seek it to remove bagginess around the eye and tighten loose skin. Eyelid surgery doesn’t remove fine wrinkles. You can expect swelling, bruising, blurry vision, or to tear up easily or have dry eyes.

Nose Jobs
Nose jobs remove skin and alter the structure of bone and cartilage to reshape the nose any way you want. You can expect to have bruising and swelling after the procedure.

Liposuction/Lipoplasty
This medical procedure removes pockets of fat. Surgeons do this by vacuuming out fat through a small incision. After the procedure, there may be swelling, bruising, or numbness in the area.

Facelifts
Facelifts stretch skin that has sagged up towards the scalp. This tightens and smoothes the skin. Again, you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and numbness afterward.

Ensuring a Fast and Speedy Recovering From Costmetic Surgery

February 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Often times the most difficult parts about cosmetic surgery is not the actual procedure but instead is the recovery time associated with the procedure. There are many factors that go into determining what the recovery time will be free cosmetic surgery. These can include general health and age of the patient. However, there are other factors that can help your recovery process. Here is a look at how you can speed up the recovery process and make it easier for you after your surgery.

Realistic Expectations. It is important that you discuss with your doctor the expectations for after surgery. These can include how much pain you will be in, any discomfort, or any scarring that may result from surgery. If you are prepared for the amount of pain and discomfort you will feel your current recovery time may often be shorter.

Body Rest. It is important that you give your body enough time to recover after the surgery. This means you should take time off of work and be able to give yourself enough time to rest and relax at home. Many cosmetic surgery procedures have a recovery time of six to eight weeks so be prepared to give your body the rest that it needs.

Help with Daily Activity. Many people believe that they are prepared to engage in daily activities after cosmetic surgery. It is important to make sure that you have help with any daily activities until you are fully recovered. Discuss with your doctor the activities that you are allowed to engage in and which ones you should avoid. This will allow you to have a speedy recovery.

Follow Doctor’s Orders. Your doctor will give you a list of instructions to follow after your cosmetic surgery. These could include no exercise, no alcohol, and taking all of the prescription medication that is prescribed. It is important to follow all doctor’s orders to ensure that you have the best chance of recovery from your cosmetic surgery.

Following these steps will allow you to have a speedy and full recovery from your cosmetic surgery.

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

Buy Electronic Cigarettes and Enhance Your Experience

October 14, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

A life of tobacco smoking is a cumbersome process to describe. To the more than average smoker, being hooked to tobacco and nicotine has serious implications. Apart from the intricacies of maintaining a balance between repeated puffing and a period of sobriety, a number of other obligations bring in serious changes in the life.

Repeatedly buying and storing up traditional cigarettes, has become the smoker’s dreaded obsession. Tobacco contains an inherent stale stench, which many non smokers cannot bear and therefore when smoking tobacco cigarettes, a smoker must find him private space, where he can indulge in this habit. Most public places around the world, do not allow smoking now and more cities and establishments are adopting this policy. This makes it very difficult for an addicted tobacco smoker. He must risk the company of a normal social environment and escape to a private place to smoke, or stay on with the edgy feeling that is constantly tingling in his mind and body. Traditional tobacco smoking also has other disadvantages, such as disposing off the ashes and cigarette butts, which becomes very cumbersome to constantly clean surroundings and keep the place spick and span. A cigarette butt not put out well carries the danger to start a fire.

An electronic cigarette eliminates many of the disadvantages mentioned above. An electronic cigarette contains a built in atomizer and nicotine solution, activated by battery when inhaling. The nicotine solution is the primary reason for tobacco smoking. Thus smoking electronic cigarettes eliminates the harsh effects of tobacco and carcinogens on the lungs. Unnecessary stench, smoke, ash and disposable dirt can be avoided in your life. Imagine that with no smoke and tobacco stench, you can walk right past anybody with an electronic cigarette in your mouth. When your life has switched to being electronic in many ways, buy electronic cigarette to stay on course of technology.

Filed Under: Health, Health Tips Tagged With: Cigarette, electronic cigarette, Tobacco smoking

Healthier Smoking Habits

October 12, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Being caught up in the cycle of nicotine addiction can feel hopeless for those who are aware of how much damage their smoking habit is doing to their lungs each time they light up. Just wanting to stop isn’t enough. Often, even trying to stop isn’t enough, and “quit smoking aids” like gum and nicotine patches don’t work for everybody.

Kicking such an engrained habit isn’t just about swearing off the nicotine; there are also the comforting routines you’ve developed. Taking smoking breaks or lighting up when stressed out are common daily routines for smokers. Depending on why you started smoking, you may be reluctant to quit because of what your friends will think. Often, smokers’ friends are also smokers, and the last thing you want to have to do is give up your friends.

Technology has come to the rescue. If you want to be more health conscious, you don’t have to let smoking stand in your way. Lung cancer and most other serious health concerns relevant to smokers are caused by the smoke, tar and carcinogens found in the average cigarette. What if you weren’t smoking average cigarettes anymore? What if you weren’t even inhaling actual smoke?

Electronic cigarettes make this “what if” a happy reality, delivering your daily nicotine dose in a harmless water vapor instead of smoke. Electronic cigarettes come in a variety of colors, shapes and brands. You can even buy electronic smoking pipes. All are refillable by using disposable cartridges, and you can choose what tobacco and smoke flavor suits you best.

Smokers can also buy electronic cigarette cartridges with their preferred amount of nicotine, ranging all the way down to completely nicotine-free cartridges. This means that not only can you gradually smoke less nicotine, but eventually you can “smoke” only a flavored vapor, maintaining your smoker’s habits without keeping the addiction or health risks.

Filed Under: Health, Health Tips Tagged With: Cigarette, Nicotine, Tobacco smoking

Should I consider a Tummy Tuck?

August 25, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Weight loss, pregnancy, and age can all change the appearance of the abdominal area. If you are not pleased with your silhouette or with the way your clothes fit, you may be considering a tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure and requires careful consideration before making a final decision.

Weight loss and Pregnancy
After significant weight loss or the delivery of a child, you may find yourself disappointed in the condition of your abdomen. After reaching a healthy weight and exercising regularly to tone abdominal muscles, you may still be discouraged by the way you look. A tummy tuck can provide a surgical solution to problems a healthy diet and exercise cannot solve. Abdominoplasty tightens weakened muscles and removes sagging or stretched skin. A tummy tuck can restore confidence and give you the look you have been wishing for. Before considering a surgical alternative, you should be at an appropriate weight and be in good physical condition. Women considering abdominoplasty should have completed their final pregnancy.

Getting Older
Aging takes a toll on the abdominal area. Fat makes its home more comfortably in the tummy area, muscles weaken and begin to sag, and skin loses its elasticity and may look flabby. These factors can contribute to self-conscientiousness and a feeling of lost vitality. Abdominoplasty can tighten those sagging muscles and remove excess skin. A tummy tuck can aid in restoring confidence and an overall sense of well-being. A frank discussion with your physician may help you decide if you are a good candidate for a surgical solution.

Talk to a Plastic Surgeon
A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon may help in the decision making process. Discussing your questions and concerns with a specialist can give you the additional insight needed to make an informed decision. There are several different tummy tuck procedures and a plastic surgeon can help you understand which procedure best suits your needs and expectations.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Tummy Tuck Tagged With: Abdominoplasty, Human abdomen, Surgery

A Skin Cancer Primer

August 24, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

If you suspect you may have skin cancer or were recently diagnosed, you may be confused by the terminology used to describe differing forms of skin cancer and their treatment. The top layer of skin is called the epidermis and this layer is also divided into sub-layers. Skin cancers develop in epidermal layers of the skin.

Three Basic Types
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It involves the uncontrolled growth of skin cells that lie in the lowest area of the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads and is extremely treatable. Although not considered a life threatening form of skin cancer, if untreated, it can cause disfigurement. A plastic surgeon is usual the specialist that treats this form of skin cancer.

The next most common form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It begins in the top most layer of the epidermis. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can spread to other areas of the body. Prompt diagnosis and treatment leads to a positive outcome. If treated promptly, 95% of cases are cured. Squamous cell carcinoma can also treated by a plastic surgeon. There are many treatment options and they should be discussed with your physician.

The least common and most lethal form of skin cancer is melanoma. It begins in cells called melanocytes which produce the melanin responsible for skin and hair color. This form of skin cancer can develop and spread quickly. It is important to know the warning signs and to vigilantly check skin for changes.

What to Watch For
A small bump that has a waxy or pearly appearance, or that is flat and skin colored or scar-like, may indicate basal cell carcinoma. A firm red bump or flat sore that is crusty can be the first noticeable symptom of squamous cell carcinoma. The most common symptoms of melanoma are a mole that changes in color or size, or that bleeds, and a skin lesion that has an irregular border and that is highly colored, especially blue or black.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Face, Health Tips Tagged With: Conditions and Diseases, Health, Skin cancer

Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma

August 22, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Correct Diagnosis is the First Step
Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of skin cancer, developing in the lowest level of the epidermis. It grows slowly and does not metastasize. A small pearly or waxy bump that does not heal usually drives patients to seek the advice of their physician. If the physician suspects basal cell carcinoma, he or she will perform a biopsy. A local anesthetic is administered and a small piece of tissue is removed and sent for examination. If basal cell carcinoma is confirmed, many treatment options are available. Patients should remember that this form of skin cancer is not life threatening. Treatment without delay is always advised so that the growth to be removed remains as small as possible. Basal cell carcinoma almost exclusively arises in areas that are quite visible. For this reason, it is normal for a plastic surgeon to oversee the treatment process.

Treatment Options Abound
The most common treatment involves a surgical procedure done on an outpatient basis. A local anesthetic is administered and the growth is excised. The surgeon will remove the abnormal tissue along with a margin of healthy tissue to prevent a recurrence of the cancer. The wound is stitched and dressed. The procedure is accomplished with very little pain and recovery is usually pain-free. One variation of this procedure requires that the surgeon take away a small slice of tissue at a time, sending them immediately for microscopic examination. Small amounts of tissue are removed until the microscopic exam confirms that no malignant cells remain. This form of treatment has a 98% cure rate as compared to the standard form which has about 90% cure rate.

There are also topical ointment treatments. These are used for superficial growths, although clinical trials are underway to determine their efficacy in the treatment over more widely spread carcinomas. Topical treatment consists of rubbing the ointment into the growth 5 times a day for about 6 weeks. There is no pain involved with this form of treatment. As the medicine works, redness and inflammation may occur. The cure rate is about 90%.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Face, Health Tips Tagged With: Basal cell carcinoma, Skin cancer, Surgery

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

August 18, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Once a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome has been confirmed, many treatment options are available. The goal is to reduce the swelling and pressure on the medial nerve. This can be accomplished in several different ways.

First Line of Defense–The Night Brace
Sufferers often complain of numbness or tingling that awakens them from sleep. Shaking the hand often restores feeling. Physical therapy, combined with specific exercises can often head off further problems. If symptoms persist, a night brace might be recommended. Wearing the brace prevents overextending the wrist, keeping it in a position that places no pressure on the nerve.

Aspirin and Cortisone for Added Relief
If pain persists, the next treatment to consider is the use of anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. When inflammation is not the cause of symptoms, cortisone injections may be indicated. Cortisone injections shrink swollen tissues around the nerve, reducing the pressure on the nerve. Patients concerned about the side effects of cortisone treatment should realize that the dose is quite small and localized. Iontophresis is a new way of delivering medicine to the chosen target. By applying a tiny electrical charge, medicine is transported through the skin, greatly reducing the pain of treatment.

When Surgery is the Answer
Symptoms that persist after all the previous attempts at relief have been exhausted, may require surgical intervention. The surgery may be performed with an endoscope or by making an incision in the wrist. Carpal tunnel release surgery consists of cutting the tendon that is causing the pressure on the median nerve. This surgery may be performed by an orthopedic or plastic surgeon. Patients are able to use their hand cautiously about 3 to 6 days after the procedure. Full use of the hand may require several weeks of healing.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Plastic Surgery Tagged With: Median nerve, Paresthesia, Surgery

Sun Chic, Sun Safe Fashion

August 15, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

A long walk on the beach, a day at the pool watching the clouds drift by; there is nothing like a sunny day to lift the spirits. In preparation we rub in the sun screen, apply zinc oxide to our nose and ears, pull on a thick, long sleeve t-shirt, and find that hat. We feel like it’s a good thing we have sunglasses on our protective clothing list–maybe no one will recognize us. If you feel less than beautiful or buff when you go out to have fun in the sun, it’s time to check out sun protective clothing. It looks great and protects your skin from the damaging UV rays of the sun.

Plastic and cosmetic surgeons recommend sun protective clothing items to their patients as a preventive measure and as part of a regular regime after skin cancer surgery. After skin cancer surgery or cosmetic surgery, skin is more susceptible to UV radiation and sunburns easily. Just as sunscreens are rated by their SPF (sun protective factor), sun protective clothing is rated by its UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). A UPF of 20 makes it possible for a wearer to be exposed to the sun’s burning rays for 20 times longer before burning. Everyday clothes can also be treated with a special laundry aid that adds UPF protection for up to 20 washings.

Knowing your skin type will help you determine the proper rating for your UPF clothing. Skin is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the most susceptible to and 5 being the most tolerant of UV radiation. You can determine your skin type by browsing the web for a skin type chart.

Sun protective hats and clothing make it is easy to be stylish and shaded. Swimwear constructed with UPF 50+ is perfect for children who love to spend all day in the pool.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Face, Health, Health Tips Tagged With: Skin cancer, Sunscreen, Ultraviolet

Fixing Those Droopy Eyelids

August 13, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Drooping eyelids can make you look older than you are and can actually decrease your field of vision. Many patients opt to correct the droop with a surgery called blepharoplasty. This type of cosmetic surgery removes excess skin and restores a youthful appearance to your face.

Even Eyelids Age
Eyelids droop for many reasons. Aging and exposure to sunlight can make skin less elastic, making it droop and fold over your eye. Genetics can also contribute to the formation of drooping lids. Blepharoplasty also corrects problems related to puffiness and bagginess of the lower lid.

Is Eyelid Surgery a Good Solution For Me?
A chat with your personal doctor is a good place to start when considering any surgery. You should be in good health before a surgical procedure. If your doctor thinks you are a good surgical candidate, research eyelid surgery carefully. Find out what blepharoplasty corrects and what it doesn’t. Make some notes about questions you have regarding this particular cosmetic surgery. Next, schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon. Discuss your concerns and expectations during your consultation.

How is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Your surgeon will carefully examine existing folds and wrinkles in your upper and lower lid. Using those creases, he or she will plan the incision so that any scarring is masked by natural folds in your lids. Excess fat and skin are removed and the wound is stitched shut with sutures.

After Blepharoplasty
After your surgery, your physician will dress the area. You can expect some bruising and swelling. A cold compress applied to the site helps a great deal, as does lying with the head elevated. Stitches are usually removed within 5 days of the operation. Your surgeon will give you a list of things you can and can’t do, and will also let you know the timetable for resuming normal activities.

Filed Under: Face, Health, Health Tips Tagged With: Cosmetic and Plastic, Eyelid, Surgery