Cosmetic Surgery Today Blog The Consumer Guide To Cosmetic Surgery

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Cosmetic Surgery Today Invites Qualified Cosmetic Surgeons To Become Charter Doctors

July 29th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, TX, July 29, 2010 — The choice to have cosmetic surgery can be life changing. As a patient, a lot of factors go into choosing the right doctor to make dreams of a better body image come true. As a surgeon, how do you reach out to your community while staying focused on the clients you already have?

CosmeticSurgeryToday.com is actively seeking board certified doctors from all over the United States, with the goal of providing information about qualified cosmetic surgeons to the thousands of cosmetic procedure seekers that visit the site each month.

As a Charter Member, doctors will be provided with a customized profile that can be updated 24/7. Each profile comes complete with their own before and after photo gallery, along with customized lead generation forms that visitors can complete to request a consultation.

These profiles will be available on CosmeticSurgeryToday.com to prospective patients as they research procedures, search for cosmetic surgeons, and request more information.

With an archive of thousands of pages and growing, CosmeticSurgeryToday.com is now recognized as a point of reference for prospective patients looking for unbiased information on any cosmetic procedure. Just one extra patient per month can add thousands of dollars to your practice. Through CosmeticSurgeryToday, Charter Doctors can connect with informed consumers actively seeking to feel better, look better, and live better … today.

ABOUT COSMETICSURGERYTODAY.COM

Cosmetic Surgery Today has evolved from a simple informational site to a library of quality cosmetic surgery information. In addition to providing comprehensive and unbiased articles, the site’s also focuses on connecting potential patients with qualified cosmetic surgeons.

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Bromelain

July 26th, 2010

With the growth of the cosmetic surgery industry, utilizing the “no pain, no gain” philosophy, there has also been an increase in the number of medications targeting to minimize the pain and discomfort that patients feel after the operations. Through these prescription drugs, patients may now enjoy the benefits of the cosmetic procedures with as little pain as possible.

Bromelain has turned into one of the most beneficial post-surgery drugs, especially for nose surgery recovery. Since it was first used in 1957, it has gathered a positive reputation among rhinoplasty surgeons and patients.

Naturally found in a mixture of proteolytic enzymes found in the stems of pineapples, bromelain in a natural herbal supplement that effectively lessens inflammation and thins blood and mucus. This makes it valuable part of nose surgery recovery. It was first used to reduce swelling and inflammation experienced by sinus surgery patients before being adapted to the field of cosmetic surgery.

Bromelain is also beneficial in the immune system; thus, minimizing the possibilities of post-surgery infections and complications. Other health benefits include relief from colds, excessive mucus, and asthma. When applied directly to open wounds, it facilitates faster healing by stimulating faster production of tissues and cells.

Being an herbal supplement, regularly taking Bromelain should only be done under the supervision of a doctor or a physician. To be on the safe side, take regular amounts of this drug for no longer than 10 days in a row. When taken excessively, Bromelain can induce vomoting, diarrhea, and extreme bouts of nausea.

This prescription pain reliever could cause adverse reaction to people who are pregnant, who have high blood pressure and other liver and kidney problems. People who are allergic to pineapples are also discouraged from taking this drug.

Note that Bromalain is obtained from refined pineapple extract. Needless to say, eating a lot of pineapple everyday will not give you the benefits that this drug promises. Taking the herbal supplement would be the fastest and the safest way to get the benefits of Bromelain.

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Traditional Liposuction vs. Ultrasound Assisted Lipo

July 23rd, 2010

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure meant to reshape an area of the body where there is a bulge of fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. In recent years, different methods for performing liposuction have been developed, and patients’—and doctors’—options for treatment have expanded.

Traditionally, liposuction involved making an incision, placing tumescent fluid in the skin, inserting the cannula—thin, hollow, tubes with blunt tips—under the skin, and suctioning out the fat being targeted. In the late 90’s, a newer technique emerged, called ultrasonic-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). UAL employs high-frequency sound waves to liquefy the fat being removed before it is suctioned out with the cannula. Since first hitting the plastic surgery scene over 10 years ago, UAL has undergone several modifications & updates to improve its safety & efficacy profile. The “newest kid on the block” is the laser lipolysis (a.ka. smart lipo). This is another way to melt fat before retrievals with cannulas.

There are some differences between traditional liposuction and UAL. In the past, complications for UAL include burns and seromas (pockets of fluid under the skin). Now, with newer machines and surgeon expertise, these complications are negligible. Lastly, UAL can take longer—two to four hours—than traditional liposuction to perform, which can be a factor in the decision-making process, especially since it is generally an outpatient procedure.

Traditional liposuction and UAL are not entirely different, however—they share many factors in common. For one, the same qualities that make someone a good candidate for traditional liposuction also make them a good candidate for UAL: they should be of average (or possibly slightly above average) weight; in general good health; and the fat they are targeting should be fat that has not gone away despite exercise and diet.

Traditional liposuction and UAL are also similar in that, for the most part, the same risks are involved with either method. Complications are rare, but in both cases there is some possibility of infection, blood/fat clots, and changes in skin pigmentation or texture.

Further, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) does not recommend removing more than 5,000 mL (11 pounds) of fat at one time in an outpatient liposuction treatment, regardless of the technique being used.

The benefits in UAL lie primarily in the way in which liquefying the fat ultrasonically can facilitate suctioning it out—especially in areas like the back and sides, where fat tends to be more solid or fibrous. If you are planning to have a high volume of fat removed, especially if it’s from a particularly fibrous area, UAL can make fat removal easier, and may be a good option.

In the end, the most important factor for the patient to take into consideration is not what technique is used but who is doing the liposuction. The best surgeon will produce the best results. Patients should feel free to ask their doctor about their credentials and training (making sure to choose a board certified surgeon), as well as how many lipoplasties they’ve performed, before undergoing treatment.

About the author

Dr. Rajagopal is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience specializing in plastic surgery for men & women in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information visit her website.

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Facial Exercises to Keep Looking Young

July 22nd, 2010

People commonly think that the only way to maintain a youthful facial appearance is to get a face lift. They line up to get the latest facial treatments that often cost a lot of money, and only give semi-permanent results.

With facial exercises, you can keep wrinkles and lines from showing on your face. Doing these exercises regularly strengthens the muscles. When you contract your muscles, it tones the face and gives it a more plump appearance. It also gives a variety of other benefits without necessarily having to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Other than firming up your facial muscles, facial exercises also strengthen them. This minimizes the sagging of your cheeks and your chin, because the muscles will hold the skin and the fat in place.

Facial exercises also places some strain on your skin, pulling and stretching it little by little. This improves the blood circulation of your face, and allows more oxygen to circulate in your bloodstream. The movement of your muscles also cause the dead skin cells to fall off. Because of these, you will notice an improvement on your skin’s complexion and color. Your skin will also be able to absorb more moisture, which it needs to keep its youthful texture.

Facial exercises also help in activating the skin’s natural nutrients. They make way for better elastin and collagen production. These two nutrients will help keep wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging at bay. However, these benefits are mostly preventive; facial exercises can only minimize, but not totally remove, lines and wrinkles that are already visible .

Exercising your face also helps in making the aging process easier. Even if the appearance of wrinkles is unavoidable, doing facial exercises regularly will help you keep facial lines barely noticeable. It helps you in avoiding deep skin creases by keeping your skin supple and flexible. You wouldn’t have to put up with sagging skin, even if you lose weight, because your skin will adjust to the new contours of your face.

Combined with proper skin care, facial exercises can help you keep your youthful appearance. You will have clearer and smoother skin without going under the knife.

Sources:
http://www.beauty-makeup-tips.org/Skin-Care/Facial-Exercises.htm
http://searchwarp.com/swa77713.htm
http://www.carolynsfacialfitness.com/the-benefits-of-facial-exercises

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RNs and Estheticians

July 19th, 2010

Other than the cosmetic surgeons themselves, the whole cosmetic surgery staff is composed of other people who have specific duties to perform in ensuring the safety of the patient. Every single person has a role in making sure that the procedure goes as planned. If one fails to deliver what his position calls for, the whole surgery could be compromised.

Next to the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, RNs and estheticians have important duties to carry out, in accordance to the patient’s fitness plan. They hold very big responsibilities that involve making sure that the patient gets the most out of the cosmetic surgery experience.

What is an RN?

RN is a common abbreviation used to refer to a registered nurse. They are health care specialists that have undergone the necessary training, and have passed the required examinations for licensure and registration.

RNs have a wide range of responsibilities that cover almost every possible need of the patient. They are also responsible for coordinating and scheduling the different medical services that a patient needs.

An RN who works in a cosmetic surgery field usually serves as a peri-operative nurse who assists the surgeon during surgeries. He helps by choosing and handling the surgeon the different instruments that is needed as of the moment. He may also play a role in controlling bleeding and in closing up the incisions made during the procedure.

What is an Esthetician?

An esthetician, on the other hand, does not assist in any surgical procedure. Instead, he tends to the patient’s skin and focuses more on the patient’s face instead of the other parts of the body. He is more concerned with the non-surgical and non-invasive means of improving the patient’s skin.

Estheticians are commonly found in skin clinics, helping the dermatologists tend to the patient’s aesthetic needs. He may be tasked with assisting the patients through the different preparations that need to be done before the treatment. He also bears the duty of helping the patient with post-treatment precautions that will prolong and preserve the effects of the treatment.

Estheticians working in hospitals usually assist doctors who are concerned with treating patients with skin-related problems. They are often seen assisting in procedures that involve burns and skin grafting.

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Men Do It Too

July 15th, 2010

Men made up 9% of all procedures in 2009.

Notable numbers include:
Butt Implants – 12% of all patients were men
Calf Augmentation – 57%
Cheek Implants – 27%
Chin Augmentation – 48%
Ear Surgery – 39%
Nose Reshaping – 26%
Laser Hair Removal – 18%
Sculptra – 16%

**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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Dangers of Overusing the Tanning Bed

July 12th, 2010

If you live in a country where there is no sun, then tanning beds can be your best bet to achieving that golden sun tan. Cosmetic tanning is a speedy way to get bronzed without leaving the comforts of one’s home (or the tanning clinic). A tanning bed looks like a waffle iron that has light fixtures. The fluorescent lights that line the tanning bed radiate UV rays in levels similar to the sun’s emission. You lie down with a pair of special UV goggles on, and just wait for your tan to cook. You have complete control over how much tan you want to have. You can change the setting of the tanning bed to your satisfaction.

Unfortunately, however, there are certain risks that come with using tanning beds. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend their use. The reason for this is that most tanning beds emit UVA rays. For one thing, exposure to UVA rays without the proper eye wear, like UV goggles, can fry the corneas. Furthermore, UVA is also what causes melanoma which is the most serious kind of skin cancer.

Overexposure to UV rays also causes premature skin aging. Wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin tone may result from using the tanning bed too often.

There are a few treatments a person may try to fix tanning bed skin damage. These treatments are similar to what one may do in case of sun burn. Creams and gels like Tretinoin and Tazarotene may be used to fix sun damaged skin.

Applying tretinoin lotions can smooth out the skin in a couple of weeks. Tazarotene creams, which have vitamin A, can alleviate really bad sun burns and subsequent premature skin aging. Chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing can also stimulate the generation of new skin.

For potentially cancerous sun damage, medical experts have also developed topical chemotherapy. Some treatments also involve the use of liquid nitrogen. In any case, consulting a doctor about sun damaged skin is always a good idea.

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Home Remedies

July 8th, 2010

Regular exfoliating and peeling will help you keep your skin looking young. Spas usually offer different treatments that will give your skin a youthful glow. However, we don’t always have the time and the money to go to spas in order to undergo these treatments.

Luckily, there are different home remedies that achieve the same results. Without leaving your home or spending too much money, you can still practice a few things that will help you maintain your skin’s youthful appearance.

AHA!

You can easily make different alpha hydroxy acid products using ingredients that you can easily find at home. Different fruit acids serve as good homemade facial peels because they loosen dead skin. This makes it much easier to scrub them off. AHA products give results that parallel that of expensive treatments, without using any synthetic chemicals that can harm sensitive skin.

It’s been mentioned that a variety of fruit acids may be used as alpha  hydroxy acid components. You may use common household items like vinegar, milk, grape juice, lemons, and other citrus fruits in making your homemade facial peels. If you do not have them at home, go to your local grocer’sand you will surely find these materials in supermarkets and stores around your area.

Fruits of your Labor

All you have to do is to squeeze the juice out of these fruits and use it to cleanse your face.  Just dab a small amount of the juice onto your face using your fingers. Leave it there for around 10 to 15 minutes and rinse it off.

You may also use the fruit itself to rub the juice on your skin. Let the juice set for a few minutes before you wash it off with water.

If there are any leftovers, you may keep them in the refrigerator to preserve them for future use.

After washing your face, you may use wheat, sugar, or other coarse materials as exfoliants. Just gently rub them on your face to remove the dead skin on the surface.

These treatments are discouraged for people who are suffering from allergies or sunburned skin. The fruit acids may only worsen the condition. Wait for your skin to go back to normal before you use any of these home remedies.

Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/natural-skin-peels.html#
http://skinpeel4u.com/natural-skin-peel/homemade-skin-exfoliators/

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Joan Rivers – What hasn’t she had done?

July 5th, 2010

The famous comedian is now well into her 70s, but she looks years younger. Long has she been criticized (and appraised) for her bold dabbling in plastic surgery. She’s undoubtedly raised millions of eyebrows with countless face lift and Botox procedures. And Joan Rivers isn’t showing any signs of slowing down just yet.

Just recently, the star announced her approval of another celebrity’s cosmetic procedures. Rivers commended Heidi Montag for her reported 10 operations, but also commented that the 23-year old starlet should have gone through plastic surgery sooner. Really?

Of course, the septuagenarian should be an undisputed authority on the matter of getting plastic surgery. She herself has had multiple facelifts, brow lifts, Botox treatments, tissue filler injections, jaw implants, multiple nose surgery, eye lid surgery, veneers, lipoplasty, cheek implants, breast augmentation surgery—the list practically goes on forever.

Joan Rivers even authored a book about cosmetic surgery. In it she explains the details of certain cosmetic procedures, their expected costs and estimated risks. She has been featured in numerous television shows promoting her book, along with her opinion that women should get as much plastic surgery as they possibly can.

The artist believes that good looks can make a person feel better about him/herself. No argument here, of course. Looking good does indeed boost up your self-esteem. You feel confident and special, and that you can do anything in the world. But is plastic surgery really the way to go?

Joan Rivers seems to think so. Somewhere, there just got to be a limit to how much plastic surgery a person can get. The human body can only take so much pulling, and stretching, and sculpting before it’s finally over-stressed, and complications with natural tissue arise. As always, too much of a good thing can be bad.

Sources:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1874121,00.html
http://famousplastic.com/2008/07/24/joan-rivers-face-scares-the-sht-out-of-me/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-456504/Plastic-surgery-addict-Joan-Rivers-unmasked.html

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Cosmetic Surgery Now More Accepted in Society

July 1st, 2010

Survey results show people are now open to getting cosmetic procedures.

The media is at full throttle nowadays when it comes to talking about cosmetic surgery. A vast body of information about the world of cosmetics is now readily available on the Internet, the television, and in magazines. Statistics show that people are now more open to the topic as well.

Seventy-one percent of the people interviewed hold the opinion that communities today are less judgmental towards people who get cosmetic work done. This is according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). And sixty-two percent say that they are more comfortable with the idea of undergoing a cosmetic procedure because society has become more open towards it.

Dr. Mark Berman, President-Elect of AACS, says this data proves that cosmetic surgery has entered into mainstream culture. He believes that a lot of factors have led to this development, but what is important is that people are now encouraged to speak up about cosmetic surgery.

Among the invasive cosmetic operations, breast augmentation is apparently the most publicly accepted, with 42.4% of the respondents having expressed their approval of the procedure. 32.3% said they were all for face lifts, and 32.1% said that the tummy tuck carries favor with them. Meanwhile, with the non-invasive procedures, 61.9% of the respondents were in favor of laser hair removal, and 61.6% were okay with Botox treatments. Furthermore, 52% also said that they would let their families know if ever they decide to get an invasive cosmetic procedure.

The results also show that 20% of the population are open to getting a cosmetic procedure in the future. But 22% out of the respondents expressed their uncertainty about undergoing a cosmetic operation. According to the gathered data, the people who were more likely to consider getting cosmetic work done were under 40 years of age.

President of AACS Dr. Patrick McMenamin is pleased with how much society has opened up to cosmetic surgery. He thinks that people are now more outspoken of the topic and that society is beginning to realize the importance of cosmetic surgery.

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