CST The Consumer Guide To Cosmetic Surgery

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Minimally invasive cosmetic surgery for teens

March 12th, 2010

Did you know…

There were over 137,000 minimally invasive procedures performed on teens aged 13-19 in 2008. Laser hair removal leads the pack with over 63,000 procedures performed, 7% of which were performed on young men. Injectable fillers, like collagen and Restylane, accounted for 4,000 procedures in this same age group.

**It is important to note that these ASPS procedural stats represent procedures performed by ASPS member surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc, as well as other physicians certified by American Board of Medical Specialties-recognized boards.

These stats were reproduced with permission from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Cosmetic Surgery for teens, indeed

March 10th, 2010
Did you know…

In 2008, there were nearly 82,000 surgically invasive procedures performed on girls, aged 13-19! Of these, just over 38,000 were rhinoplasty while around 14,000 were Gynecomastia procedures performed on young men.  Surprisingly, there were 4,000 liposuction procedures performed on teenagers in 2008.

It is important to note that these ASPS procedural stats represent procedures performed by ASPS member surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc, as well as other physicians certified by American Board of Medical Specialties-recognized boards.

These stats were reproduced with permission from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Top five surgical cosmetic procedures

March 8th, 2010

Now that we know the top five minimally invasive procedures for 2008, here are the top five surgically invasive procedures for 2008.

1. Breast Augmentation – 307,000 procedures
2. Nose Reshaping – 279,000 procedures
3. Liposuction – 245,000 procedures
4. Eyelid Surgery – 221,000 procedures
5. Tummy Tuck – 122,000 procedures

**It is important to note that these ASPS procedural stats represent procedures performed by ASPS member surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc, as well as other physicians certified by American Board of Medical Specialties-recognized boards.

These stats were reproduced with permission from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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In 2008, Botox reigned supreme

March 3rd, 2010

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were 5 million BOTOX procedures performed in 2008! Rounding out the rest of the top 5 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures for that same year:
2. Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane) – 1.1 million procedures performed
3. Chemical Peels – 1 million procedures performed
4. Laser Hair Removal – 892,000 procedures peformed
5. Microdermabrasion – 842,000 procedures performed

It is important to note that these ASPS procedural stats represent procedures performed by ASPS member surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc, as well as other physicians certified by American Board of Medical Specialties-recognized boards.

These stats were reproduced with permission from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Functional cosmetic surgery? Consider vaginal rejuvenation!

February 23rd, 2010

Vaginal Surgery: Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, Hymenorrhaphy, Neovaginoplasty, Colovaginoplasty

One of the latest plastic surgery procedures gaining popularity in recent years is vaginal surgery. This procedure can refer to a number of things, all aimed to either enhance, fix, rejuvenate, even create, vaginas. Vaginal plastic surgery is quickly becoming popular, especially to older women who are critical about the appearance and feel of their vaginal area.

Vaginal cosmetic surgery is used to restore “rejuvenate” the vaginal tone and appearance. This is done either by removing excess tissue, tightening the supportive structures, or both. It can be done in many ways, either by normal surgery, or by the use of lasers. Although not all plastic surgeons can do the procedures, it is not difficult to find the specialists that can. Most of the major plastic surgery clinics in the country offer vaginal surgery procedures, and have the doctors and equipment to do so.

An example of the procedures that can be done is labiaplasty, or labioplasty. It is an operation which aims to reduce the external folds of skin of the vagina that surround the vulva to make it look younger. While the reasons could be purely cosmetic, for some it is a perfectly practical operation, because larger labia can actually be painful. More importantly for those with cosmetic concerns, however, is the fact that the labia is often the most noticeable object in the vaginal area.

Another vaginal plastic surgery procedure is called Hymenorrhaphy, which is the surgical reconstruction of the hymen. While it is not as common as labiaplasty, hymenorrhaphy is done so that a woman who had her hymen broken, whether through sexual intercourse or rigorous physical activity, will have an artificial one. Normally, this is done so that during sexual intercourse after weddings, bleeding will occur, which is then considered in some cultures as a proof of virginity.

A practical application of vaginal surgery is what’s known as neovaginoplasty, an operation that either creates or reconstructs a vaginal canal and mucous membrane for women with birth defects, or congenital diseases. This is also done for trauma or cancer victims that have their vaginal canals damaged, and for males undergoing sex changes. For natural women, this allows not just sexual intercourse, but also menstruation, and even fertilization. And in some of the best cases, even childbirth through the constructed vagina.

Another practical vaginal surgery procedure is what’s known as colovaginoplasty, a procedure that involves cutting away a section of what’s known as the sigmoid colon and to use it to create a vaginal lining for women. This is mostly considered a last resort for females with a variety of complications, such as androgen insensitivity syndrome, vaginal agenesis, or other intersexed conditions. This is also used on male to female transsexual operations to create an artificial vagina.

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Jaw Implants

February 20th, 2010

One would think that having imposing and prominent jaws should be reserved for men, after all, it is a sign of masculinity. There are very few women who can pull off having prominent jaws without looking too manly,  two examples being Kiera Knightley and Courtney Thorne-Smith. While having too much of a jaw can have a masculine impact on a woman’s visage, the lack thereof can easily make a beautiful face lose its good proportion. It can cause the look of the face to be asymmetrical, and out of proportion, making the face look weak, and can have the effect of having a large neck, nose, forehead, or cranium.

Fortunately, plastic surgery solves the lack of a properly sized jaw with the use of jaw implants, which augment the look of a patient’s jaw to create the proper proportions needed to have a beautiful face. This, if used in conjunction with chin or cheek implants can create an even more proportioned look, and while it can severely alter a person’s face, it can definitely give a very well balanced appearance.

Jaw implants can either be synthetic or biological. Synthetic implants lack the ability to integrate into the bone and tissue, but it has the bonus of being easily removed should the patient not be satisfied or if there should be modifications done. Biological materials can provide for a more natural look and feel by having it integrate into the tissue, but have the disadvantage of being more difficult to remove or modify should the need arise.

Jaw implant surgery can take roughly one to two hours, depending on the surgeon’s skill level and the patient’s requirements. The procedure requires the surgeon to create incisions inside the lower lip, creating a pocket where the jaw implants are inserted. They will be placed on top of the jawbone to define the jaw’s lines and create a more imposing, more defined jaw line. Once the implants are in place, the surgeon sutures the incisions shut.

There can be swelling and bruising during the recovery process, which can take from anywhere between three weeks to three months. Because the incisions are placed inside the mouth, which is full of bacteria, the surgeon will prescribe antibiotics and other medication that need to be taken diligently to ensure the proper healing process and to hasten the recovery of the patient.

Once the healing process is finished and the swelling and bruising has subsided, the patient will be able to fully and clearly see the end result, which, if done right, would be a perfectly symmetrical, perfectly proportional jawline that will balance out the whole appearance of the face.

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Cosmetic Surgery Today – More than Just an Informational Resource

December 14th, 2009

Cosmetic Surgery Today has been launched to provide a one-stop online resource for cosmetic surgery and includes a listing of qualified doctors across the United States as well as an online store for various products and reading materials.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 14, 2009 – As far as cosmetic surgeries go, concerns about possible complications are always an issue. One effective way to avoid potential risks is to be prepared before and after the surgery. It is imperative for patients to have a guide through every step of cosmetic surgical procedures.

Whether considering a complex procedure, like breast augmentation, or something simpler, like laser hair removal, a qualified surgeon is crucial in achieving the results one desires. Patients need doctors who understand their concerns. Cosmetic Surgery Today aims to be a comprehensive one-stop resource for these patients.

Cosmetic Surgery Today is a web site that contains up-to-date and unbiased knowledge on all kinds of cosmetic surgeries, goes beyond providing medical information. It is a support network that brings patients to the personal side of cosmetic surgery, from choosing a reliable surgeon to preparing for the recovery period. people are able to contact surgeons in their area and even set up a schedule for consultation.

The web site also gives the opportunity to gather information about doctors across the United States. With the details gathered, candidates for cosmetic surgery can compare the services offered by surgeons, thereby narrowing down the choices of doctors that can satisfy their requirements. In addition, since people can order items, send requests, and sign up for reading materials, details like a user’s name, phone number, address, and credit card information will be stored by the web site for more efficient future use.

Cosmetic Surgery Today is committed to protecting personal information gathered online. To ensure information is used properly and unauthorized access is prevented, appropriate electronic and managerial tools are used. Furthermore, the web site does not share the gathered information to outside parties, except when they are necessary to complete transactions. In particular, the web site protects the welfare and privacy of children. This is why the web site never collects information not suitable for children under 13 years old, nor is it designed to attract anyone under 13.

Thousands of people a year decide to have cosmetic surgery. A one-stop informational resource on surgical procedures is important in making the right decisions and knowing what to expect from the surgery. The experts of Cosmetic Surgery Today are always available for consultations. Please visit this web page here to get in touch with our doctors today.

http://www.prlog.org/10451638-cosmetic-surgery-today-more-than-just-an-informational-resource.html

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Basic Information about Eyelid Surgery and Its Complications

December 13th, 2009

As we age, our skin gradually loses its elasticity. The lack of elasticity, combined with the constant pull of gravity, results in wrinkles and excessive skin being formed in the lower and upper eyelids.

The excess skin collected in the lower eyelids creates bulges and wrinkles, while the excess skin right above the upper eyelids leads to the formation of an extra fold of skin, which could obstruct vision.

Bulges in the lower and upper eyelids could also be caused by the fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull. A thin membrane holds the fat in place. With age, the membrane weakens, allowing the fat to protrude into the lids.

Using surgery to remove excessive eyelid skin

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a procedure that reduces bagginess from the lower eyelids and removes excess skin in the upper eyelids. The surgery involves the removal of the unwanted skin, muscle, and fatty tissue.

While most people go through the procedure for cosmetic reasons, it is an effective method for improving sight in older patients whose sagging upper eyelids are hindered by their sight.

The surgery is a great way to have smoother and more youthful-looking skin, although it does not remove crow’s feet, dark circles under the eyes, and other facial wrinkles.

Good candidates for the surgery

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals who have good physical and mental health as well as realistic expectations. Most patients are aged thirty-five years or older. However, if the baggy or droopy eyelids are inherent, you may have the surgery at a younger age.

People with ophthalmologic, circulatory, or serious medical conditions should consider the diagnosis of a specialist to know if it is safe to go through the procedure.

Duration of changes made by the surgery

The surgical procedure will not stop your eyes from aging, but the benefits are usually long-lasting. Surgery for the upper eyelids can last from five years to an entire lifetime, while lower eyelid surgery sometimes needs to be done more than once.

Potential complications

In order to set the proper expectations, knowing the possible complications is crucial. As with any kind of surgery, there is some degree of risk involved, although they happen rarely.

The possible problems include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Dry eyes
  • Abnormal discoloration of the skin around the eyes
  • Eyelid skin that folds abnormally
  • Inability to fully close the eyes
  • Pulled down lower eyelid lash line or possible loss of vision

If any of these complications occur, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Preparing for the surgery

Whether the eyelid surgery is for cosmetic or functional reasons, it is of paramount importance to choose a qualified facial plastic surgeon. Doing so will allow higher chances of a successful surgical procedure. The patient must also follow the presurgical and post-operative instructions given by the surgeon to recover faster and avoid some of the possible risks.

It is also important to prepare your home for the recovery period so that you can be comfortable while letting the wounds heal. Doing the housework beforehand can allow you to exert less effort around the house. Remember, limiting physical activities after the surgery will give your eyelids a chance to recover.

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Vanity and Motherhood

December 12th, 2009

It is a common notion that breastfeeding will lead to unflattering or unattractive changes in the shape of the breast. In fact, it is this belief that keeps many women from breastfeeding. Unfortunately the health benefits of breast milk for a developing infant are many supported by volumes of scientific evidence. No formula can do for baby what breast milk does.

A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (Vol 28, Issue 5, pages 534-7) casts doubt on the widely held belief that breastfeeding leads to ugly breasts. Drs. Rinker, Veneracion and Walsh reviewed the charts of 93 women who sought aesthetic breast surgery after pregnancy for breast ptosis (droop).

Just over half of women reported breastfeeding while the rest did not. While several things correlated with an increased occurrence of breast ptosis like older age, smoking, and higher body mass index, breastfeeding was not correlated.

In other words, in women who have decided to have a baby, breastfeeding does not affect the aesthetics or look of the breasts. Other factors can affect breast appearance after pregnancy, including the pregnancy itself, but breast feeding is not one of them.

While a larger, prospective study (one that follows women over time rather than looking back into medical charts) would provide better clinical data, new mothers that are concerned about what might happen to the appearance of their breasts if they breastfeed may not need to worry. When you consider the many health benefits of breast milk for baby, the decision to breastfeed should be even easier.

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Cutting Corners

December 11th, 2009

Perhaps it is the global recession, the extensive array of medical information available online, or a renewed commitment to the DIY (do-it-yourself) attitude, but the incidence of illegal and non-professional cosmetic procedures is on the rise.

Physicians are reporting seeing the repercussions of botched injections. These injections are coming at the hands of people who have attempted to perform cosmetic procedures at home or from incompetent or unqualified people.

People are injecting various substances under their skin in order to get the cosmetic benefits but not considering the impact of a bad job. Anyone with a credit card and access to the internet can buy a number of substances that are thinly veiled as alternatives to visiting a professional. The syringes are available online, too—everything one needs to serious damage their appearance and health.

While most people would not consider cutting their own skin for cosmetic purposes, it seems that the same hesitation does not exist for injecting substances. The substances that are illicitly injected mirror the substances that are most popular in mainstream medicine, namely botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.

Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in BOTOX, is the most potent toxin on the planet, pound for pound. At best, the substances that pretend to be botulinum toxin are simply fakes. At worst, it really is botulinum toxin and people are going to inject some very dangerous substances in their skin.

Illegal dermal fillers are even more prevalent because almost anything can be injected under the skin. Unfortunately the substances that are used are rarely sterile and often cause allergic or serious inflammatory reactions.

Not only are these injections leading to cosmetic and aesthetic but many are causing serious medical problems as well. Plastic surgeons are being asked to correct cosmetic problems that have been caused by these substances. These substances are causing serious skin and blood infections.

Improperly injected materials can lead to necrosis of the skin (skin death) and if particles enter the bloodstream, they can cause heart attack and stroke because they can block arteries. Black market BOTOX (which is what this is, really) has lead to paralysis in some cases and can very easily be lethal.

Cosmetic injections are not as easy or trivial as they may seem at first. People are strongly cautioned not to try to be your own aesthetician. If you want to trust your health to the most competent person (and you should) find a provider that is a licensed medical professional.

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