Tuesday, June 26, 2012

A Few Breast Augmentation Benefits



It's a sad fact that some women will go through life unhappy with their physical appearance. The low level of confidence that can result from this unhappiness can work its way into other facets of a woman's life, such as health, were increased stress in certain situations can actually be unhealthy for the body. There are numerous benefits that can be had from a breast augmentation surgery that can be both mental and physical, and can add to the quality of life a woman experiences. Here are a few of those benefits.
http://images.reachsite.com/b2315d7f-daf8-4307-9b46-29b742b3510c/media/450217/medium/450217.PNG?gen=1 
An increase in confidence. With a boost in breast size, some women will start to feel more confident about their outward appearance. This can especially be the case in cases that involve women who are in the post-pregnancy stage. These women might experience a reduction in breast size, as well as some other pregnancy-related body issues like excess and loose abdominal skin and stretch marks. For these women, a breast augmentation procedure could help them regain that lost confidence.

Balance in appearance. Some women might feel that their breasts are disproportionate when compared to other parts of their body, such as their hips or buttocks. An experienced cosmetic surgeon can rectify this situation by bringing the female's breast size more in line with those other body areas, providing a more balanced look that can help a woman look and feel more attractive.

http://www.orangecountybreast.com/wp-content/uploads/rmgallery_images/large/21/braug01b4front-censor.jpgMore to wear. When a woman's breast size increases, she can suddenly feel like she has a lot more options in terms of clothing. Designers create their clothing while taking into account the way the clothes will look hanging from a female's frame. With an enlarged bust line, clothes that previously looked average on a woman can really stand out and be attention-grabbing. Also, clothes that were not as wearable previously, such as low-cut tops, can become options after a breast augmentation procedure.

Finding an experienced, well-qualified surgeon to handle such a procedure is a very important part of the process. You can read reviews online, and ask the surgeon's office for references so that you can speak to past patients about their experience and if they're satisfied with the procedure or not. You can also consult friends and family who may have visited a cosmetic surgeon in the past for recommendations. A breast augmentation procedure can help increase your confidence, balance out your appearance, and increase your clothing options -- but first, you have to have the procedure done.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Minimizing the Risks of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery ranks among the top surgical procedures performed in the medical field today. Although complications are rare and procedures are considered generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, there are still existing risks.
How do we minimize the risks of cosmetic plastic surgery?
http://plastic-surgery-gone-wrong.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Bad-plastic-surgery-How-much-Harm-A-Bad-plastic-surgery-Can-Lead-to-And-How-To-Prevent-It-1081.jpg1. Approach cosmetic surgery as a serious medical procedure. Sometimes the fact that cosmetic surgery is elective affects how you perceive it. If you undergo surgery for cosmetic reasons, you may tend to think of it as something like going to the beauty salon and having a haircut. It is important to realize that the body doesn't differentiate the trauma from cosmetic surgery from any other surgery. Just like any other surgical procedure, complications are possible and to minimize risks, it is important to approach cosmetic surgery as a serious medical procedure.
2. Make sure you fully understand the procedure/s you are considering. The degree of plastic surgery complications and risks is largely dependent on the type of surgical procedure/s performed and one way of minimizing risks is to arm yourself with knowledge about the procedure. Minor complications and unmet expectations can be minimized by fully understanding the risks and benefits associated with the procedure you are considering.
3. Don't be one of the first to try out a new technology. Innovative technologies and new surgical techniques are continually being introduced through the media and at times the complications for these procedures have not been fully documented or evaluated. For example, the issue of hyperpigmentation due to laser treatments only surfaced after more than a year of its introduction. Thus it's advisable to wait at least eighteen months once a new technology is released before trying it out. New equipment requires a big investment and unfortunately, some doctors want to make a return for their investment quickly.
4. Choose your plastic surgeon well. The benefit of elective surgery is you have the time to do research, get second opinions and choose your surgeon well. The best way to minimize risk is to choose a reliable plastic surgeon who is board certified and has the experience and skill necessary for a successful surgery.
a. Choose a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon. He should be certified by the organization that is recognized by the country's Board of Surgery. In the Philippines, the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery (PBPS) is the only organization recognized by the Philippine College of Surgeons to grant board certification in the field of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. This certification ensures that the surgeon has undergone has completed an accredited training program in plastic surgery and has reached a certain standard of skills and competence.
b. Check whether the surgeon has hospital privileges. Before a hospital grants privileges to physicians, they usually require certain standards of training and competence to be met.
http://www.methodsofhealing.com/files/2010/06/Negative-Side-Effects-of-Plastic-Surgery.jpgc. Choose a plastic surgeon who is experienced in the specific cosmetic plastic surgery procedure you will have done. The level of experience that the plastic surgeon has is also important. How long has the surgeon been performing the procedure? Oftentimes, the experience of a surgeon determines his ability to visualize the end result and his ability to deal with any complications. The more cases he has done, the better his judgement, and the less the risks. A deceptively simple procedure such as a rhinoplasty can have results that are extremely diverse, depending on the surgeon who is performing the procedure.
5. Don't be tempted by a low price tag. Although prices for cosmetic surgery procedures vary widely, you want to make sure that you don't sacrifice safety and quality for a lower price. Verify the products or implants that the surgeon will use for your procedure. Make sure he doesn't use substandard products or variations of well known, FDA approved brands of products used in order to lower costs.
6. Check the surgical facility and support staff. Although many cosmetic surgery procedures may be safely done in outpatient clinics, others should only be done in a hospital setting. Check that the operating facility is properly equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and meets standards for operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials. Check the credentials of the support staff, especially the anesthesiologist.
7. Discuss your expectations and concerns with your plastic surgeon. The most common risks for cosmetic surgery are unsatisfactory results and/or unmet expectations. Good communication is important to minimize the risk of unmet expectations. A responsible surgeon will evaluate if your expectations are realistic and explain to you what he can do to help you. He will clearly and thoroughly explain potential side effects and risks and the possibility of secondary procedures. Although your plastic surgeon can and should do several things to minimize your chances of unsatisfactory results, even the most skilled plastic surgeons deal with factors which are not under their control, such as how tissues heal.
8. Make sure you are physically fit to have the surgery. Patient evaluation is an important prerequisite to surgery. Your plastic surgeon should screen you carefully and to minimize risks, he needs to make sure you are, physically and emotionally, a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. The degree of complications and risks in plastic surgery is largely determined by the patient's own health condition and physiology. If you have diabetes, heart conditions and allergies, if you smoke, or are elderly, you will have a greater risk for complications than if you are young and healthy. In some cases, your surgeon will require you to obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician to make certain that it is safe to proceed. Try to get as physically fit as possible, stop smoking, have blood tests and a physical examination done before you undergo surgery.
9. Tell your surgeon about any past and present medical conditions. Complications can be minimized by disclosing your entire medical history to your surgeon. You should also tell him about all prescribed or over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements you take on a regular basis.
http://niamtu.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/addict.jpg10. Diligently follow your surgeon's instructions before surgery. At times, patients disregard the surgeon's pre-operative instructions, thinking that it doesn't matter that much. It is important to realize that to minimize risks, you need to prepare your body for surgery by obeying the advice of your surgeon. For example, before surgery, you'll be asked to stop taking medications that can promote bleeding. If you smoke, your surgeon will advise you to stop at least two weeks prior to surgery.
11. Diligently follow your surgeon's instructions after surgery. Always follow your surgeon's instructions for postoperative care. These are carefully designed to minimize your risk of complications. Your specific instructions will vary depending on the surgery performed but in general, your surgeon will instruct you to avoid activities that could hinder the healing process. If you smoke, you will be advised to stop at least two weeks following surgery to aid in wound healing. You will also be instructed to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages and from taking any drugs containing aspirin, as they will increase bruising and may even cause internal bleeding. You will be given instructions in proper wound care. The proper care of your incision affects the scar that you will eventually have. For some procedures you will be instructed to wear support garments to help your body adjust. You can also help minimize complications such as swelling by walking around. By following your surgeon's instructions, you will ensure that the surgery will have the best results possible.
12. Avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery. During the initial postoperative period, take at least a week away from your daily routine, allowing yourself time to rest and recuperate. Excessive physical activity can result in unnecessary swelling or bleeding. Thus your surgeon will advise you to limit physical exercise for a certain period.
13. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any post-operative complications. Even if your surgeon will schedule a follow up appointment with you, don't wait for the scheduled date to consult about any unusual symptoms such as such as excessive pain or bleeding, fever or abnormal swelling.

Popular Types of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

http://www.carefair.com/data/uploads/istock_000003557879_l.jpgIf you have ever thought about getting some plastic surgery done, you need to do a lot of research to be certain you are fully educated before you go under the knife. While there many excellent cosmetic surgery clinics around the country, you should learn the types of surgeries possible and the questions you need to ask.
There are many cosmetic surgery procedures available, but here are some of the most popular:
• Body Lift
A body lift involves removal of excess fat and skin that are sagging, due in part to age, weight loss or other conditions that create poor tissue elasticity. The skin tissue is shaped and toned to improve the overall appearance of the body.
• Breast Augmentation
http://www.lapeerhealth.com/images/lapeerplasticsurgery.jpgAlso called augmentation mammoplasty, this process inserts a saline or gel insert into the breasts to create a larger volume in the breast. Many women lose breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss and some women simply wish to enhance their natural breast size.
• Brow Lift
A brow lift, or forehead lift, repositions the brow on the forehead by reducing creases on the bridge of the nose or on the forehead.
• Face Lift
Called rhytidectomy, a facelift improves problems such as loss of muscle tone in the lower face, sagging skin in the midface, displaced fat, fatty deposits under the chin or creases along the nose or under the lower eyelids. Sometimes facelifts are done in combination with a brow lift or eyelid surgery.
• Eyelid Surgery
Blepharosplasty can improve bags under the eye, remove excess fat in the upper eyelids, drooping of the lower eyelids or sagging skin on the upper eyelid. This is often done in conjunction with a facelift.
• Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fatty deposits, typically in the thighs, waist, arms, legs, back or chest. Liposuction may combine together with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a breast augmentation or a tummy tuck.
• Tummy Tuck
Abdonioplasty, or a tummy tuck, cuts away extra skin or fat to reconnect muscles that are weak or separated. This smoothes the skin on the stomach and makes it look firmed. Often desired after significant weight loss, aging or pregnancy, a tummy tuck often works in conjunction with other processes.
• Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery or reshaping, may improve breathing through the nose or to alter nose size, profile, width, tip asymmetry or nostril size.