Cosmetic Surgery – A Review of Facial Surgery, With Personal Experiences

Basic background

Cosmetic surgery consists not just of enhancing someones beauty, but also to help those who have been badly damaged in an accident or who have physical birth defects. Many believe that women are the main gender that go for cosmetic surgery. Yet studies have shown that 11% of men are also getting cosmetic surgery - in fact since 1992, the percentage of men getting cosmetic surgery has gone up by 50%. Middle aged men see plastic surgery as an investment in their career prospects. It is important to know that it is neither sex nor age which makes some type of aesthetic surgery procedure feasible, but what is important is a good general health condition.

The stress of being beautiful is taking a strain on many people. People are spending about 10% of their gross income on cosmetic surgeries. Regarding age, there are some procedures such as facelift which are more frequently done on people over 40; however there are people over 55 who still may not need it. On the other hand, there are also patients under 40 who may benefit from this surgery.

Talk to a cosmetic surgeon to see whether you really need extensive changes in your appearance. Learn if a face lift is right for you. Talk it over with partners, friends, spiritual counsellors or life coaches if need be. Cosmetic surgery covers a wide range of procedures, including obesity and weight loss surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction & face surgery. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift or an eyelid surgery. Alternatives to surgery exist. Laser cosmetic surgery may be performed around the eyes or the mouth. More consumers are considering injectables to prolong or avoid facelifts, forehead lifts and eyelid surgeries.

Eyelid surgery

Sagging upper eyelids or bags under the eyes can be one of the clearest signs of facial ageing. Patients interested in eyelid or eye brow surgery may have noticed drooping or sagging of the skin around the eyes. Eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, corrects not only the eyelids but also eyebags. Often, the procedure is done with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift. To remove your eyebags whilst lifting your face is only a matter of more time for the surgeon. The goal of eyelid surgery is to remove excess skin gravity and sun exposure damage. Patients usually request for surgery to remove eyebags and to firm the lower eyelid area. In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. This is a very effective way of performing the surgery without leaving any obvious scarring.

Facial surgery

The face as a whole must be considered if the optimum outcome of cosmetic surgery is to be achieved. A facelift can help rejuvenate the lower face, giving it a fresher, healthier appearance. The face lift works well for the jaw line and the neck. By improving facial muscle tone, you can literally lift years off your face. Muscles, fat and deep tissues of the face are all lifted and repositioned so skin is draped over more youthful contours. Most surgeons agree that the best time for the first facial cosmetic surgery is whenever it is needed. Microdermabrassion and non surgical face lifts are alternatives to surgery, in conjunction with a natural facial with elements such as green tea that promote skin wellness. It is also recommended to use facial and body massage therapy after treatments to relax you and speed your recovery. Face aerobics are terrific and can save money in cosmetic surgery.

Personal testimony of facial surgery

The following is a true personal testimony written by a good friend of mine, Bethany Lee, specifically for this article and with her full permission. She is keen to share her experiences with others who may read it.

I had cosmetic surgery some years ago – my first operation was for my eyes. I had very many creases around them and was unhappy with my appearance. I contacted an agent for cosmetic surgery, thinking about whole face surgery. After a discussion with her, she convinced me to start by having correction around my eyes. The operation I had was performed under local anaesthetic although this method isn’t entirely suitable for many people as it is quite painful. It is possible to have it done under general anaesthesia, or ‘twilight anaesthesia’. Some tie it in with other surgery such as a facelift procedure. Still, I opted for the local anaesthetic - I found it comforting to be able to talk to the surgeon and his nurse and know what was going on, but it is not for the faint hearted. The operation itself took about one and a half hours and I was able to have a cup of tea, don dark glasses and go home. I was given pain killers, antibiotics and eye ointment .

The painkillers were hardly needed. Although very bruised and swollen when I arrived home, my husband could see a remarkable difference in that the operation had completely removed my eye bags and wrinkles around the eyes. After the bruising and swelling finally went down (less than a week) the difference was amazing. I could see better and I looked so much younger. I was absolutely delighted. It set me off.

I was worried about my developing jowels. There was no doubt about it – the cosmetic surgery loomed. I contacted the same agent I had seen before, and she showed me how my face would look after surgery. This time I opted for a full face lift. The operation took 4 hours and this was done under general anaesthetic. I must admit I suffered a lot of bruising - more than most and it took about a week to settle down but after fortnight I was transformed. I found chewing sugar free dental gum useful, it helped me exercise my jaw and kept things moving. I looked better, felt better and started to look after myself more. It gave me the incentive to start exercising again. People were complimenting me on how well I looked. The incision lines were in well hidden places in my hair line and behind my ears, so there was no way anyone could actually tell that I had undergone surgery.

I was told the eye surgery would last 7 years but it is 15 years now and they still look good. Just a very slight wrinkling on the left side, which is easily correct with makeup. I have regularly used creams to keep my skin in the best possible condition. I know that people say that a cheap cream is as good as an expensive one but I refute that totally. I have bought most of the creams on the market and find that Syence is by far the most effective. This is one of the few creams that has scientifically documented proof that it thickens the skin – useful in the more mature lady! I find it invaluable, as it has kept my face very soft and near on wrinkle free.

Finally, I would say find a good cosmetic surgeon. Ask around, do not go for the cheapest or the most expensive - go for reputation. See photographs of his work if possible and ask questions. It’s your money and your face – you have the right to demand the best. Naturally things can go wrong but rarely do and they can be put right. I find yoga is a great help as it keeps mind and body in tune. A good balanced diet of fresh organic fruit, vegetables and olive oil add to a healthy skin, which will always help set you on a good road to quick recovery.

You will experience a little pain but speak up and it can soon be eased. At the end of the day it will be worth it!

For a complete and extensive guide to cosmetic surgery, please visit our web site at http://www.cosmeticsurgery.informatee.com

By Michael Aldridge

Choosing an Outpatient Surgery Center

Times have changed in surgery. About fifteen years ago, just about all surgery – no matter how routine or small the procedure – was done in the hospital. Now, the majority of all surgical procedures are performed in outpatient surgery centers. These facilities are usually freestanding and are not attached to the hospital.

Now, even relatively complex and lengthy procedures are performed in outpatient surgery centers. These facilities are sometimes also called ambulatory surgery centers. More than 90% of all plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation as well as rhinoplasty and liposuction are performed in outpatient facilities. This is especially the case with plastic surgery in Los Angeles.

This shift puts the burden on the patient or consumer to choose wisely. Surgery of all kinds has never been safer or more effective. But it is still a serious undertaking and the facility where it is performed is a key component of overall safety.

There are several things to look for when evaluating whether you should use a particular outpatient surgery center. The most important issue is safety. You should check on the certification of the outpatient surgery center. Some states offer licensure of these facilities, while others do not. There are certifying organizations that inspect facilities. Some of these include AAAHC and Medicare. When a facility has these sorts of certifications, they have been thoroughly inspected for their physical layout, staff training, safety equipment, and emergency protocols to assure they have the highest level of professionalism and safety.

You should ask your surgeon why he chooses to use the given surgery center. Has he found the surgery center to be safe and convenient for patients? You should ask if the surgery center has a transfer agreement with a local hospital. In case of a problem, this confirms that you can get quick access to emergency care in the hospital setting. You should ask about the safety equipment on hand at the facility. Following your procedure in an outpatient surgery center, you likely will go home. You should ask your surgeon what provisions are made for contacting him and her with questions and concerns during off hours. You should also ask who will be performing your anesthesia. Is the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist experienced in outpatient surgery? You might also ask to receive any prescriptions for post-procedure medications prior to your surgery day, so you need not go to the pharmacy following your surgery.

Outpatient surgery is now routine and safe. But it is important to check on the outpatient surgery center prior to deciding where to have your procedure performed.

Lloyd M. Krieger, MD is a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles and medical director of a Beverly Hills outpatient surgery center

By Lloyd Krieger

Cheek Augmentation Surgery- Cheek Implant Basics

What is a cheek implant? Cheek implants happen to be a top-notch method of improving and augmenting the contours of the face. For plumping up cheeks there’s more than one form of implant; each has different kinds of materials. Here are a few reasons why you’d want to get cheek implants.

At a fundamental level, cheek implants (also called cheek augmentation) help improve a person’s facial looks and boost self-esteem. Cheek implants let a face develop a more proportional and balanced appearance. Cheek implants on older patients allow a face a fuller look, especially if the face is looking sunken in, drawn, or aged. At times younger women having flat cheekbones go for cheek implants to get the chic high cheekbone look of fashion models.

Lift and fullness are the top reasons for making a choice to go under the knife and have cheek implants done. Cheek implants can be implanted laterally, frontally, or sometimes even both. The first consultation a patient has with the surgeon will identify what is required for her to get the desired look.

There are, of course, risks for any type of cosmetic surgery procedures. Bruising, bleeding, infection, numbness, scarring and swelling are an issue with any operation undertaken. The risks specific to check augmentation include the possibility the cheek implant could spontaneously shift location in the face, and that the patient won’t be happy with their new facial look after it is done.

Cheek augmentation comes in five different types of materials. The choices are hydroxyapatite, silastic, gore-tex, polyethylene, and cadaver bone. Hydroxyapatite is a ceramic that resembles sea coral and is chemically similar to bone and hard tissue. Silastic is an inert silicone rubber, that is both solid and flexible and is used for prosthetics. Polyethylene also looks like coral but it is a plastic. Yes, Gore-tex is actually the same material that is used to manufacture raincoats; one of it’s advantage is that it does not get rejected by the body and so is permanent. The last, cadaver bone is self-evident. It is sterilized bone that is taken from human donors who have passed away.

Cheek augmentation can be performed in different methods and as previously noted, the needs of each patient will be the final factor as to what method the surgeon settles on. In general, what occurs during cheek implant surgery is that a “pocket” is created over the tissue of the cheek, which enables the implant to properly fit inside. The implant incision is put in one of three places- the conjunctiva (or inner surface of the eye), inside the mouth or in the crease lines outside the eye. The cheek implants may be either solid or porous, and that depends on the patient also.

Cheek implant surgery is most often done on an outpatient basis and is conducted under either general or local anesthetic, whichever the patient prefers. Cheek augmentation surgery takes an average of 45 to 60 minutes to perform.

Visit medopedia.com for information on bariatric weight loss surgery and gastric banding surgery

By Antoinette Boulay

Estimating The True Total Cost Of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery can be expensive and one problem for many people is that they embark on this particular road knowing the baseline cost but overlook the fact that for a whole variety of reasons, often outside of their control, the true total cost by the time they are finished can be a great deal higher.

The first thing that you need to consider is that gastric bypass surgery consists of more than simply the operation itself. In most cases there will be extensive pre-operative counseling and many surgical centers will require you to undergo a pre-treatment program before they will approve your surgery. In addition, most patients will need follow-up dietary and nutritional counseling. Both of these items can add significantly to the overall cost of weight loss surgery.

The second thing to consider is the risk of complications which may require further surgery or additional hospital or outpatient treatment. Most gastric bypass surgery patients will experience a range of complications which will vary from a number of minor problems which are easily resolved to serious complications which require a return to the operating theatre and a further stay in hospital for perhaps several days. Complications can add very considerably to the price of surgery and can even result in a doubling of cost, or more.

The third consideration is whether or not your insurance company will meet your costs. Fortunately, an increasing number of insurance companies are covering obesity surgery today but there are still many policies which explicitly exclude such procedures. In addition, where a policy does cover surgery, you may find that there a number of very strict conditions detailing just what they will and what will not pay for. A policy may for example limit cover to the cost of only certain types of surgery (such as the Roux-en-Y procedure) but not cover anything other than the cost of the operation itself.

Your surgical center will normally be able to give you advice on insurance cover and even contact your insurance company for you to ascertain whether or not the insurance company will approve a claim for your proposed surgery. You should however look on this as simply advice and protect yourself against possible problems at a later date by contacting your insurance company yourself in writing and establishing the position in advance of any treatment. In particular, you should ascertain the full extent of your cover, including pre and post-operative cover and your standing in the event of complications.

Although your baseline cost can range typically from about $15,000 to $35,000 depending upon the type of surgery you are contemplating and where surgery is to be carried out, the final true cost of gastric bypass surgery is likely to be quite a bit higher. So, do your homework and don't elect for surgery until you are happy with the possible final price you may have to pay.

GastricBypassFacts.info is a substantial resource center providing information on obesity and morbid obesity as well as on various forms of gastric bypass surgery.


By Donald Saunders

Why is Everyone Talking About Plastic Surgery?

The words “Plastic surgery” is a medical term that refers to a special kind of medical treatment wherein it is possible for the doctors to change the appearance and functions of a patient’s face or body using either techniques that are surgical or techniques that are non surgical.

The word "plastic" may toss you off a bit as it doesn’t sound too warm or trusting but actually the word is traced to the Greek word plastikos which actually means “to mold” or “to shape” so when we talk about plastic surgery, it doesn’t mean that we are linking it with the process involved in making the synthetic polymer type of material which is known to us as plastic. When we talk about plastic surgery, our focus is towards those surgeons who are professionally competent and experienced to mold and reshape the body in a specialized manner.

The motivating factor that underlies plastic surgery is that it can bring about impressive cosmetic enhancements to drastically improve a person’s personality in terms of appearance. This is particularly prevalent when one considers the importance of good looks and personality in the hard edge world of the glamor and entertainment industry like Hollywood. Every second day, you hear of celebrities popping in and out for cosmetic surgery like Cher, Britney Spears and so many others who opted for some kind of surgery or the other to improve their personality or a specific body part.

We all agree that cosmetic surgery is one of the most popularly preferred operations done these days because it helps a lot to improve the overall look as well as the personality of a person. After the surgery, what happens is that the person feels like a new, changed person and therefore, a lot more confident about facing life. The surgery is thus a motivating factor for a lot of celebrities and others because it increases their feeling of self esteem by making them look so much younger and attractive to the rest of the world. The surgery should ideally be conducted by an expert doctor who is well qualified and experienced in this field otherwise, it may be disastrous and dangerous for the patient.

It is found that women are usually more anxious and concerned about their looks, wrinkles and lines because they aspire to look younger for longer duration. That is why women tend to worry a lot about their features and body parts so they want to stem the process of aging in whatever way possible. A lot of factors such as stress in daily life, exposure to sunlight, gravity, and environmental pressures can cause early aging among a lot of women. To seek remedy for such problems, most women are aware of the potential advantages of opting for plastic surgery.

With these tips on plastic surgery, decide whether this is the motivation you were aspiring for.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.plastic-surgeryadvisor.com
Plastic Surgery


By Matt Murren

Plastic Surgery West Palm Beach

Three words summarize the most important characteristics to look for when choosing a cosmetic or plastic surgeon: qualifications, experience and comfort.

1. Qualifications count - Medical professionals in the United States have well-defined, stringent requirements for their professional training in every specialty. Experienced cosmetic plastic surgeons are accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and belong to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The first thing you need to do is check on these Web sites to make sure the physician you are considering is fully accredited.

Basic accreditation is only the beginning of assuring a physician's qualifications.

Finally, involvement in professional associations indicates that a physician is keeping pace with changes in the profession. Look at the physician's biography to see if he/she is a member of the above professional organizations.

2. Experience matters - The best indicator of how well a physician performs a particular procedure is how frequently s/he has performed it in the past. Make sure you ask about the doctor's experience doing the specific procedure you are considering with the particular techniques s/he is recommending. And don't just get a count. Find out how many of those procedures were successful. Talk to past patients to get a first-hand account of their experience with the physician. Look at before and after pictures and draw your own conclusion.

3. Comfort rules - Even if a physician is fully qualified and experienced with a procedure, that person may not be right for you. You need a physician who communicates openly with you, answers your questions and gives you the time you need to understand the technicalities. You need a physician who appears to have the same expectation for the outcome as you do. Most importantly, you need a person you can trust to advise you when the choices aren't black and white. Be sure you are completely comfortable with your choice of physician so that during stressful periods immediately before, during and after the surgery or procedure, you'll be taken care of the way you need.

Considering cosmetic surgery is an exciting time. You are imagining the possibilities and researching not only the procedures but who is most qualified to help you achieve your goals. You want to select a board certified plastic surgeon that possesses both technical expertise and artistic ability so that you achieve the natural look you desire.

Dave Stringham is the President of LookingYourBest.com an online resource for plastic surgery West Palm Beach Learn more about breast augmentation and plastic surgery West Palm Beach procedures.


By Dave Stringham

3 Tips on Picking Anti Cellulite Creams and Treatments

Anti Cellulite Creams have improved quite a bit over the past 5 years. A new kind of treatment call Endodermology has had more than a temporary effect on cellulite. An exploratory investigation of the morphology and biochemistry has produced surprising results. Many consumers want the skinny on the pill's claims however.

Most women over 20 have it and hate it, but the bumpy look of cellulite isn't easy to erase. There is a new treatment everyone should try, it's called vacuum therapy with rubber glass. Many womens legs really do look better (cellulite is not so visible). Once you are about 19 massages into the 2nd month the problem area has hugely improved. My friend recommended me to try rubber glass (cellulite massager). Women have tried lots of things: creams, diet, running, but everything worked well for the most part. After only one month I found out that cellulite on the thighs and buttock became not so visible. As statistics shows, there are 85% women suffering from it and almost all of them try to get rid of it.

Many women hate going to the beach, swimming pool or even sauna, because they blush to show their legs. Try greasing your leg with oil or cream. Do not waste your time and money for non-effective treatment methods. The American Skincare & Cellulite Expert Association is the worldwide society representing hundreds of professionals whom are specialists in the field of skincare and treatment. One of the primary missions of the Association is to continually improve the treatment and understanding of skin and the cottage cheese effect some many women hate and want to get rig of, as well as raise public and professional awareness of the wide range of products and equipment available.

The ASCEA Website is a comprehensive guide for members of the public with the reliable and updated information regarding skincare treatments. In addition, it also publishes a bi-annually a popular newsletter geared toward its members and skincare specialists. There is brand new formula cream that has been developed proving to be a painless and effective treatment for those problem areas.

Loraine DeJona is an expert in this area and has posted more free tips, articles and solutions at http://www.cellulitereductiontreatmentsite.com/Anti-Cellulite-Cream.php


By Loraine DeJona

Why Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery has been a growing market since decades. It allows us to change our look. We are a vain society, and as such we place a great deal of emphasis on physical attractiveness. While becoming physically attractive usually isn't a major life goal, many people strive to look and feel their best at all times. They do this by eating healthy, exercising, and using beauty products. Sometimes, though, perceived physical flaws keep people from feeling good about themselves. When this is the case, cosmetic surgery can be the answer.

Different areas of the body can benefit from cosmetic surgery and people elect to have cosmetic surgery for many reasons. Some are severe, like to mask a birth defect. Others are trivial, such as the reduction of age lines in the forehead and around the eyes. But no matter the reason, cosmetic surgery has one goal: To make one feel better about their appearance.

Many will consider cosmetic surgery for their face to soften lines and wrinkles or to improve the shape of their nose. The stomach, breasts, legs and buttocks are also popular cosmetic surgery targets.

The truth of the matter is that there are some physical changes that can only be brought about through cosmetic surgery. All the makeup and shading in the world will not make a woman feel better about her nose if she feels it is too large. And skin just keeps continuing to show signs of aging as the years go by if you do not do something to intervene.

But do you have to do something as drastic as cosmetic surgery to get the results you desire? You are the only one who knows the answer that question, but it is true that cosmetic surgery is cheaper, safer, and more available today than it has been in the past. For these reasons many women who never thought they would are electing to have cosmetic procedures done so that they can feel better about the way they look.

Clare Eisenman runs a web site about Cosmetic Plastic Surgery where she covers various topics like Dangers of Liposuction, Rhinoplasty Nose Job.


By Clare Eisenman

Plastic Surgery Costs

Plastic surgery costs can be pretty high and therefore out of reach for most people unless the look for some financing solutions. The cosmetic surgery costs depends on many different factors, mainly on the location and experience of the surgeon, the type of cosmetic surgery performed, the equipment used and the risk factors that vary from patient to patient.

The costs for plastic surgery are therefore a problem for many because the health insurance does not cover any of the costs involved. The insurance only pays when there is a medial necessity and not when the surgery is performed for cosmetic reasons only. A patient will have to pay for all the costs.

Today there are various good companies out there that offer attractive financing for cosmetic surgery procedures. You must take a close look at the rates but often the conditions are interesting. It is nothing more than a loan though and therefore you must apply for it and get approved like for a standard bank loan.

Another factor you must consider is that not all doctors accept financing. Often the companies have agreements with certain doctors only and pay the money to the doctor directly and not to you. A plastic surgeon will also not get the full payment from the company because there is a discount of usually 5-10%. That means if the surgery costs $3,000 for example, then the doctor may only receive $2,700.

It pays sometimes to do some research. Often new but still experienced doctors make some attractive offers, low cost financing or no money down deals. The financing company has a high risk of course because they can't be really sure if you can pay back the money. This risk increases the cost of the loan. Therefore you may look around a little to find a good deal.

Don't rush into a loan before you haven't had detailed talks with your preferred plastic surgeon. It's bad enough to loose money you already had, but losing the money from a loan just because the surgery didn't went like expected is even worse. Every surgery can have complications. It is even possible that you have to go under second surgery. Make sure you have some room for financial changes whenever possible.

Find out more about plastic surgery costs and get all details behind cosmetic surgery here.


By Clare Eisenman