Reducing Signs of Scarring That Result From Cosmetic Surgery

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the biggest concerns patients have after their cosmetic procedure is whether or not there will be a lot of scarring. Scarring is only natural during cosmetic procedures due to the doctor having to cut into the patient. Luckily, there are ways you can reduce the amount of scarring that will happen after your cosmetic surgery. Scarring prevention is an important part of your recovery process as many scars need to be treated in the first few weeks. Here is a look at how to handle the scars that you may have after your cosmetic surgery and how to reduce the scarring effect.

Scar Treatment Cream. There are many over-the-counter scar treatment creams that can be used to effectively reduce the amount of scarring you received after your surgery. These treatments will need to be used for anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks in order to see results. While these treatments do not eliminate the stars they will reduce the signs of scarring.

Cocoa Butter. Cocoa butter has long been used as an effective form of reducing scars. Cocoa butter is used in similar ways that scar treatment cream is used. It is believed that cocoa butter keeps the skin hydrated which allows it to reduce signs of scarring.

Prescription Medication. There are many prescription medications out there that will reduce tooling any type of scar. It is important to discuss this with your dermatologist to see if they will prescribe any lightning cream. Many dermatologists will only prescribe this type of medication to those who have severe scarring.

Laser Treatments. Laser treatments are a common way to reduce the signs of scarring. Many cosmetic surgeons have started including laser treatments as part of the follow-up care for cosmetic surgery patients. Laser treatments have been proven highly successful by many medical research studies.

While there is no affective way to eliminate scars 100% there are ways to reduce the signs of scarring that are result of your cosmetic surgery. Following these steps you will reduce the signs of any scarring that is a result of your cosmetic surgery.

Filed Under: Cosmetic Surgery, Face Tagged With: ,

Ensuring a Fast and Speedy Recovering From Costmetic Surgery

February 8, 2011 By 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: , ,

Common Ways to Avoid Cosmetic Surgery Nightmares

February 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Everyone has heard horror stories about plastic surgery. People talk about how they enter the operating room looking one way and come out looking a completely different way. These horror stories have led many people to become weary of having any type of cosmetic surgery performed. However, there are ways that you can reduce your risk for being a victim of these plastic surgery horror stories. Here’s a look at what you can do to make sure that you do not fall victim to plastic surgery nightmare.

Check Board Certification. All cosmetic surgery doctors must be board certified. You can check for certification by going online and checking American Board of Medical Specialties. This will place all doctors in the state that they are certified in as well as the specialties of their practice. This will allow you to make sure that the doctor you are going to is board certified, educated, and has the training that they need to perform surgery.

Check Safety of Facility. You’ll want to make sure that the facility and operating area meets Board and state qualifications. The best way to do this is to take a tour of the facility before your operation. This will allow you to see if the conditions are sanitary, and that you feel secure. Another way to check the safety of the facility is to research The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This organization keeps record of the inspection dates and certifications that the building has applied for.

Affiliation of Doctors. Many doctors are affiliated with national interest groups. If the cosmetic Dr. is affiliated with a special interest group this means that they regularly attend meeting and are up-to-date on the latest medical information.

Self-informed. It is important that you stay informed about your medical history and the procedure that you are having done. This will allow you to ask proper questions and make sure that you are healthy and safe enough to have the procedure performed.

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

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: ,

Chin Augmentation

January 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Quite often, a person goes to a plastic surgery to consult about having a nose job only to find that their nose isn’t the problem at all. A weak chin can make the entire face look disproportioned. It can throw a pleasant face into a state of imbalance, causing a perfectly fine nose to seem larger and making the neck look fleshy, giving a person that double-chinned look.

Augmented a receding chin or opting for a chin implant can bring the entire facial structure back into balance. A chin augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that is meant to add prominence to the chin or even bring the lower jaw forward. Sometimes a surgeon will remove pieces of the lower jawbone to attach to the skin, rather than using an implant. In some cases, a patient undergoing a rhinoplasty may have a chin augmentation recommended to them in order to keep the facial proportions in balance, but a chin augmentation can be subtler than a nose job and be just as beneficial to the overall look of the face if done as a single procedure.

A chin implant or augmentation has become an incredibly popular plastic surgery option for men. A square jaw and strong chin are very typical of a handsome male face, but women also benefit from the procedure.

As with any plastic surgery, there are risks involved. They include allergic reactions related to anesthesia, post-op infections, and even life-threatening complications. An inexperienced surgeon or an incorrectly done procedure can leave the face with unnatural and unflattering features. Be sure to select a surgeon that holds a valid state license and is either an M.D. (medical doctor) or a D.O. (osteopathic physician). Ask about your surgeon’s experience, credentials, background, and any malpractice history and verify the surgery center’s accreditation.

Filed Under: Plastic Surgery Tagged With: ,

Plastic Surgery Insurance can Reduce Surgery Costs

January 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Millions of people go under the knife each year to enhance their appearance, to correct scarring from injuries, or to alleviate discomfort. Most health insurance policies only cover plastic surgery if there is a serious medical reason for doing surgery. Women needing breast reduction or accident victims needing their noses realigned may receive coverage from their health insurance, but most plastic surgery is not covered, especially if the surgery is voluntary.

Plastic surgery is a medical procedure and it’s very expensive. Statistics from 2007 listing the prices of common plastic surgery procedures are astonishing. A simple Botox injection is listed at just over $500. A face lift is listed at just over $5,000. A breast lift cost nearly $4,300, Liposuction came in at nearly $3,000, and a tummy tuck registered at a staggering $5,200. These prices do not cover all the fees incurred during plastic surgery; additional costs from anesthesia, operating facilities, and other expenses will bring the cost noticeably higher.

Reconstructive surgery, or surgery on abnormal body parts caused by defect, injury, or illness is generally performed to improve the person’s ability to function and to give them a normal appearance. This type of plastic surgery is usually covered by most health insurance plans. Cosmetic surgery, or surgery performed on normal body parts, is performed to enhance a patient’s appearance. Most insurance plans will not cover this type of surgery. Take the time to research several insurance companies and get online insurance quotes to decide which coverage is best for you based on the procedures you need or want to have done and the financial benefits of having such a policy. Weigh out what companies offer, the cost of the policy, and what you will have to pay out of pocket. Having coverage can reduce your out of pocket expense from thousands of dollars to merely hundreds of dollars, depending on your policy.

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

Teens and Rhinoplasty

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A rhinoplasty, or nose job, is the most requested plastic surgery procedure requested by teenagers. For a teen that has faced years of emotional distress due to a large or misshapen nose, plastic surgery can help boost confidence and alleviate dejection.

The issue with teens and plastic surgery is not so much with the actual procedure and the resulting risks themselves, but with the expectations of the teen wanting surgery. Youth brings with it the want to have problems fixed instantly, so a teenager wanting a rhinoplasty needs to be fully aware that he or she will not come out looking like a supermodel. A nose job is intended to enhance and fine-tune a person’s existing features, not make them look like a different person. A teen needs to have realistic expectations and embrace the idea of having a perfected version of their own nose.

When a teen enters plastic surgery fully aware of the realistic goals, surgical limitations, and realistic outcomes in mind, the patient can emerge from surgery feeling confident with a positive attitude.

It’s highly recommended that a teenager not undergo a rhinoplasty until the nose has finished developing. For girls this process stops at around age 13 or 14. For boys it’s a little later, by 15 or 16. Choose a plastic surgeon that will fully discuss the realistic expectations and surgical limitations with your teen. Rhinoplasty is not a problem solver and can’t change a person’s life—but it can help boost confidence, allowing the teen to view her life differently so she can make any life changes herself.

Risks associated with rhinoplasty include infection, nasal obstruction, sinusitis, allergies to anesthesia, heart and lung complications, dissatisfaction with the results, and even death. Any surgical procedure should seriously be considered and never taken lightly. Be honest about your or your teen’s medical history including smoking status and drug use.

Filed Under: Plastic Surgery Tagged With: ,

Septoplasty

January 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For many, a deviated septum is one of many instances where plastic surgery may reduce or eliminate a medical complication. The septum is the cartilage wall that separates the nasal passages in two. When a septum is deviated, it’s simply favoring one side. That may sound like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually cause some serious health problems.

A septum can bend to one side during normal childhood growth or pubescent development. A deviated septum can also occur following an injury. It can even be off-center from birth. Perfectly straight septums are incredibly uncommon.

Deviated septums can often make it difficult to breathe because one of the nostrils is more closed than the other. It can be hard or even impossible to breathe air in through the closed passageway. This can inhibit normal growth of the nasal passages and cause nasal membranes on the open side to grow excessively. Most people do not have any symptoms, so diagnosing a deviated septum usually happens when other illnesses are checked. A simple cold can cause a deviated septum to become inflamed, causing blockage. Infections in the throat and tonsils are also more likely to occur due to the excessive build up of mucus.

A septoplasty is the most common surgical procedure for a deviated septum. Unlike a nose job, the procedure is done entirely through the nostrils with no invasive incisions on the outside. Pieces of the septum are reduced, realigned, and then put back properly. It is an outpatient procedure that takes a few hours. If a patient chooses to combine a rhinoplasty with a septoplasty, an overnight hospital stay may be required.

The operation is a very common and safe procedure, but make sure to have a specialist operate and check on physicial credentials. Post-op, patients enjoy clearer nasal passages, reduced bumpiness in the shape of the nose, and a much less likelihood of developing sinus infections.

Filed Under: Plastic Surgery 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: ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »