New Plastic Surgery Procedures - Body Thermage

The body thermage is a relatively new procedure sweeping the plastic surgery field. Yes, it is the procedure you see performed on many of the makeover television shows.

New Plastic Surgery Procedures – Body Thermage

Many people wonder how celebrities can lose a dress size so fast with apparently doing anything. The answer is a procedure known as body thermage, which is generally used in the treatment of facial and neck laxity. Body thermage is considered an innovative and safe cosmetic option, which is based on radio frequency energy applied to the skin.

The body thermage procedure is often referred to as radiothermaplasty, therma-lift or therma-cool. The treatment is a non-surgical procedure that has shown effectiveness to temporary correct lax abdominal skin, but thermage can be also applied to lift other parts of the body including buttocks, thighs and arms.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the thermage procedure in 2002, originally for the treatment of facial wrinkles and rhytids. Since then, increasing references from TV shows promoting the results resulted in the procedure receive additional clearance for the extensive use of treatment anywhere on the body.

Although almost anyone can undergo body thermage, people whose age is between 35 and 60 are the ideal candidates for the procedure due to the mild to moderate skin laxity present at that age. The skin tightening procedure is meant to be permanent, but this can only be achieved with corresponding maintenance and follow-up programs.

In a massive breakthrough, thermage is also used to successfully treat stretch marks and loose abdominal skin after pregnancy or remarkable weight loss, particularly in obese patients. However, this procedure is not recommended for women immediately after childbirth, except if they are done having children because the effect will be lost with a following pregnancy.

A typical thermage procedure will last from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the area to be treated and pre-existing condition. People with implanted cardiac devices, including pacemakers, should avoid undergoing thermage procedures due to the radio frequency energy below the surface of the skin into the collagen. Specifically, the energy can interfere with the functioning of cardiac devices, a true disaster. Thermage does not require incisions, injections, or surgery. However, individuals taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as naproxen, prednisone, and ibuprofen, must avoid it.

The decision to have a body thermage procedure is not one that should be taken lightly. Make sure to consult with a qualified plastic surgery to determine if it is solution to your condition.

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com - a directory of plastic surgery surgeons

By Ricardo Silva

Cosmetic Surgery: Post-Op Care Is Essential

As with any other surgical procedure, post-operative care is imperative in the case of cosmetic surgery as well. Following the post-operative advice of your cosmetic surgeon could well be the difference between a stellar result and a mediocre one. Regular follow up visits are crucial in monitoring the progress of recovery. The recovery time and the amount of post-operative care largely depend on the type of cosmetic surgery performed. For instance, major cosmetic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and sizeable liposuction necessitate proper nursing for a significant period after surgery.

Another point worth noting is that follow-up surgeries (or touchups) might be required to eliminate undesired effects of surgery, or to attain better results. For instance, a woman’s breast implants might internally rupture and therefore necessitate a follow-up surgery. Moreover, cosmetic surgery has associated complications and risks, such as scarring, blood clots, bleeding, or an adverse reaction of anesthesia. Thus post-operative care is pivotal for attaining satisfactory results and in order to expedite the recovery process.

Post-operative care entails being careful about the body part, which has been operated upon. Undue stress and exertion to that portion, just a few days after surgery, may lead to unforeseen complications. You must strictly follow the advice of the surgeon on this issue. In addition to this, you must have realistic expectations from the surgical procedure. Since a major cosmetic surgery involves a significant recovery period, you must not expect instant results after surgery.

The most crucial aspect of cosmetic surgery is to choose a surgeon who has loads of expertise in the pertinent field, since he/she can effectively advise you about proper post-operative care. Cosmetic surgery is something that one opts for in order to improve ones appearance and, in turn, ones life. So if you don’t want to settle for anything less, simply adhere to your surgeon’s advice on post-operative care.

Nicola publishes an informational site about liposuction, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Liposuction and Lipoplasty at http://lipo.plastic-surgery-info.net

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Plastic-Surgery-Info.net


By Nicola Kennedy

Plastic Surgery For Men - Get The Face And Body You've Always Wanted

When we think of plastic surgery, we almost always picture women going to the clinic to get work done. Whether it's liposuction, breast work, facial surgery or treatment for signs of aging, we usually imagine that women are the patients.

The truth is that men, too, can benefit from plastic surgery. Anyone can be dissatisfied with their looks and imagine something better. In recent years, a growing number of men are finally getting their plastic surgery done and getting the face they want.

What does this mean to you?

It means that you can improve your face or body, too, and the industry has developed to accommodate your needs. There are lots of options for men.

Abdominoplasty - This is a fancy technical word for getting rid of that gut. Men, even more than women, have a tendency to develop a big belly later in life, and the fatty tissues in this area are especially stubborn and hard to get rid of. In response to this demand, plastic surgery clinics offer special, localized fat removal operations to get rid of the spots that trouble you most.

Brow Lift - Although anybody can get a brow lift, it is most popular with older men who develop creases and wrinkles in this area. The brow is important for expressing emotions, and it is very noticeable when it sags with age. In most brow lift operations, the plastic surgeon lifts the muscle and other tissue under the skin so that your brow looks natural.

Chin Augmentation - A weak chin can really hurt your profile, and make other awkward facial features stand out. The chin really balances out a man's face. With chin augmentation, your plastic surgeon puts an implant in your chin to make it look more natural and balanced. Chin implants can be tiny and barely noticeable, if that is all it takes to make the face look better.

Arm Lift - No matter how much you exercise or eat right to keep the fat off, excess fat tends to build up in men's upper arms. Even if you are in good overall shape, your upper arms may appear saggy and fat. This is why many men get arm lifts. Plastic surgeons do this by removing fat from the arms with liposuction, and also tightening the skin, since much of this extra tissue is just skin.

Post Bariatric Surgery - When a younger person loses weight, the skin naturally tightens up. But, when older men lost a large amount of weight, the skin often sags and can cause hygiene problems. This is why plastic surgeons have developed post bariatic surgery. This procedure is designed to tighten up the skin so that it looks natural, and can be done on virtually any part of the body.

Otoplasty - This is a type of surgery that reduces the size of the ears. Unusually large ears can be a source of self-consciousness and ridicule, and this surgery is often sought by men whose ears overshadow their other facial features. This is a short procedure that leads to a more natural look which is usually barely noticeable to others.

Plastic surgery is not just for women anymore. More and more men are choosing to improve their faces, bodies and self-images by talking to a plastic surgeon, and there is a growing number of options available.

Men in Boston seeking plastic surgery should consult an expert in male surgery. While the surgical techniques are the same for men and women, the results should be very different. One such Boston cosmetic surgeon understanding the unique needs of men is is board certified and has been in private practice since 1981. http://www.drmossthebeautyboss.com/


By A Aaronson

Breast Implants - Saline vs Silicone

There are many reasons a woman may choose to get breast implants- reconstruction or augmentation- and in making that decision, she must weigh the differences in saline and silicone.

Often times, the reason for your interest in this surgery determines the type of implant. The amount of body fat is also a factor. If there are no special circumstances to consider, the choice comes down to personal preference.

- Silicone Breast Implants -

Silicone emerged in the 60's and remained the popular choice until 90's when they where blamed for causing connective tissue disease, and they were removed from the market.

But, after further studies, the FDA approved them as a safe choice, and they were returned to the market. The FDA approved these for use in reconstruction with no age limits and for augmentation in women 22 years old and up.

Probably the most common reason to choose these is the natural feel of the product. It is a gel like substance so it is firmer; therefore, it feels more natural. It does not slosh about as is sometimes experienced with saline.

Another reason is if there is little body fat or breast tissue present. This is because silicone can be placed over the muscle and rippling is minimal therefore it is less obvious that you have implants.

These are a great choice for body builders who have lost a lot of body fat, but want to retain their femininity. If there is adequate amount of chest tissue, silicone breast implants can still be used either over the muscle or under.

- Saline Breast Implants -

Saline emerged with the silicone scare of the 90's as the only approved choice. Though silicone is back on the market, saline still has its own benefits and should be considered as well.

These are approved for use in reconstruction for women of all ages and for augmentation for 18 years old and up.

First, the patient can choose where the surgeon makes the incision- through the areola, the armpit or the bra crease. The incision is much smaller than with silicone implants because they are inserted already filled, and saline can be filled during surgery. These can be placed over or under the muscle, but as stated above, over the muscle may show rippling making the implants look less natural.

As far as cost, saline is less expensive- up-front costs and money spent in the long run.

If saline ruptures, it merely deflates, the saline is safely absorbed by the body, and it becomes obvious right away. Replacement is easy, and again, the incision is small. Silicones have what is called a silent rupture and is detected by an MRI. It is necessary to have an MRI every couple of years in order to catch this rupture and gets expensive over the years.

As you can see, there are many factors that can determine the type of breast implant you choose. The most important thing is that you discuss all of your options with your plastic surgeon, research on your own and seek out testimonials. As with any surgery, this is not something to be taken lightly.

For breast augmentation, San Antonio women look to implants to balance the breasts and to create a fuller more youthful figure. San Antonio plastic surgery consultation should be with a doctor who will listen to your goals for the best, most natural looking results.


By A Aaronson

Plastic Surgeons - What to Look For

Whether you are looking for a plastic surgeon to do a necessary or elective procedure, it is always important to know how to choose the best one for the job. When something is wrong with your car and you take it to the body shop, if you do not like the results you always have the option of taking it somewhere else to have it the work redone. However, the human body is not always as easy to correct if something is done incorrectly to it. Therefore, when you are looking at having plastic surgery, you need to make sure you choose the best medical professional the first time.

One of the most confusing aspects of medicine today, second only to deciphering health insurance requirements, is the various certifications doctors hold. Exactly what do they mean to you as a patient? In the case of plastic surgery, any doctor you are considering should hold the title of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

What is Board Certified and What does it Mean?

Most people today have heard that they should choose physicians who are board certified in their chosen specialty. However, many people do not understand exactly what that certification means.

To date there are only twenty-four boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS). The ABMS is the regulatory agency which oversees sub-specialty fields. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only certification which is recognized by the ABMS to show that a doctor's training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the body and face was actually completed. This means that if your surgeon is certified by the ABPS, then he or she has met strict educational and examination criteria to receive such certification.

The first thing you should do when you are considering any surgeon to work on you is to call the ABMS and ask them if the surgeon you are considering has the proper credentials necessary to perform the cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. By simply giving them the name of your surgeon, they can give you this information. If the surgeon you are considering does not have the appropriate training in plastic surgery, then you should find another surgeon who does.

Doesn't the Government Regulate What Surgery a Physician can Perform?

The simple answer to the question is no. However, most people believe that there are federal regulations in place. In truth, medicine is self-governed by certification and standings through the various ABMS areas. To use the car analogy once again; just as you want your vehicle worked on by an ASE Certified Mechanic, you want your body worked on by an ABMS Certified Plastic Surgeon.

You might be surprised to learn that there are many physicians who perform these procedures but are not board certified to do so. However, many of them are board certified in other disciplines such as OB/GYN or oral surgery. And, while they may offer the best price for your procedure, you are always advised to seek out a board certified physician in plastic surgery.

In Atlanta, plastic surgeon who is Board Certified is the most important part of your cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. Knowing that your doctor has the right training gives you more than peace of mind. Check out the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre for qualified doctors. http://www.swancenteratlanta.com


By A Aaronson

Cosmetic Ingredients, Need an Interpreter?

Our skin is our largest organ. It is not impermeable. Stuff you apply to it is absorbed by it. What's on your skin? Do you really know?

I've been on a mission for years. A quest of sort, to find healthy and functional cosmetic and beauty products. Granted, the FDA requires ingredient disclosure on full sized products either on the product itself, or on the packaging, or included along with mail order cosmetics. Great! So we have a list of words most of us cannot pronounce much less recognize as safe or unsafe, natural or chemical, organic or inorganic, acne causing or non-comedogenic, etc.

Thankfully we live in the age of lightning fast info at our fingertips here at our internet connected PC. Research has become a bit easier, as far as individual ingredients are concerned. There are numerous sites that rate ingredients based on the above mentioned criteria. One I love to keep on hand is "Become An Acne Detective" By Barbara Strickland, Certified Para-Medical Esthetician. If acne is a concern of yours, I'd recommend bookmarking this one! You can even print the handy chart and bring it along with you when you're shopping and disecting the ingredient label.

Paraben preservatives are a huge concern lately. Traces of parabens have been found in cancerous breast tumors. There is no conclusive test results stating that the parabens are responsible for the cancer, yet there are no test results saying the are NOT responsible either. If this is a concern of yours, I'd recommend searching out paraben free health and beauty products. This is quite a difficult quest, as most preservative systems include parabens. BUT preservatives are not necessary in products that contain NO water (like mineral makeup.) Preservaties are also not needed in products made of oils, butters and waxes. Most store brands throw it in anyway, so you'll need to shop the net to find unadultered beauty products.

When shopping for mineral makeup or bath and body items look for the ingredients. Are they hidden? If so, ask yourself why?

Usually they are hiding the ingredients for a reason. They really don't want you to see them! Walking through our local --Mart store the other day I picked up a jar of Revlon and Maybelline "mineral" makeup. First ingredient on the Revlon? Talc. Which although talc is technically a mineral, it's cheap and clogs your pores. And the Maybelline? First ingredient was Titanium Dioxide. GREAT! But the rest.. sorry couldn't pronounce them, much less remember them or how to spell them! But I can assure you most of the ingredients were NOT minerals. Oh and did I mention it was microscopic? Who can read this stuff?

I believe in full product disclosure and prominently display every products individual ingredients for everything I sell. I've even included a page on the site describing every ingredient. When you are creating a quality product there is nothing to hide! Now you may be thinking natural means dull and boring. If you do, you are in for a surprise! Yes, you can have fun with color and still be safe, knowing you are putting something good on your skin.

Our cosmetics are made with premium minerals and pigments. There are various grades, even amongst natural ingredients. You will NOT be able to discern this on any ingredient list. In other words, premium sericite mica and regular untreated mica are both required by the FDA to be listed as "mica" on the ingredient declaration list. Untreated sericite mica often times will result in an ashen look or other color change a few hours after application. Treated sericite mica is much more expensive, but is a more stable product. Ours is treated with Magnesium Myristate, which offers numerous benefits. I won't duplicate our "About Ingredients" page here. You can take a look if you like on our site. So, let me assure you that we could be buying our ingredients at much lower prices and you would never see a difference on the label! BUT you would likely feel the difference, or suffer the loss of added benefits.

Tons of mineral makeup sites state the following: "natural minerals mined from the earth". Well kinda... but not really. Almost all minerals have to be treated and "cleaned" in order to be considered safe for cosmetic use. Trace chemicals of various harmful types are almost always found along with mined minerals. So they are "cleaned" before going on your face. So if you read that oh so popular line about "mined from the earth", think about it hard. Why are they saying that? Have they not done their research, yet they are selling me a product?

We are considering the skin care line, one that uses a natural preservative system, therefore fitting our criteria. But this may have to wait awhile, since the demand is so great for natural mineral makeup. In other words.. we're swamped! In the mean time we will post an article here on occasion about various topics in the cosmetic and beauty field.

http://www.LAminerals.com
http://www.edenskiss.com
http://www.zerozits.com/Articles/acnedetect.htm

By Lorraine Pierce

Is Breast Reduction Right for Me?

If you are interested in having breast reduction surgery, there are many things you need to consider to make sure that your procedure is as successful as possible.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure which should be performed by a Board Certified plastic surgeon to remove excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, in order to reduce a woman's cup size.

Oftentimes, a woman's breasts will grow larger than she desires and can look out of proportion to the rest of her body. Additionally, when a woman's breasts grow too large she can experience neck, back, and shoulder pain from the added weight pulling on her body.

When this is the case, this surgery can increase the quality of her life as well as her own body image.

Is A Reduction Right for Me?

A reduction is a major surgical procedure. For this reason, the decision to have this surgery should be considered very seriously. To be considered a good candidate for this procedure, you should meet most all of the following criteria:

* You should be in good health and a non-smoker
* You should have realistic expectations
* You should want to have this for yourself, not another person
* You should be bothered by the fact that your breasts are too large
* Your breasts should be limiting your physical activity
* You may experience back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the excessive weight
* You may experience skin irritation beneath your breast crease
* You may have stretched skin with low-hanging breasts
* Your nipples may rest below your crease when you're not wearing a bra
* You may have enlarged areolas caused by your stretched skin.

Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon

By far, the most important decision you have to make is the plastic surgeon you will let operate on your body. It is vitally important that you choose a Board Certified plastic surgeon to perform your surgery.

By selecting a plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you ensure that your surgeon has at least five years of surgical training, and a minimum of two years of training specifically in plastic surgery procedures. You're Consultation Appointment with a Plastic Surgeon

At your consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon, you should be prepared to candidly discuss your body and the issues they pose in your life. Your plastic surgeon will likely obtain the following information from you during your consultation appointment:

* The reason you want to have the surgery
* The desired outcome
* Your current health status
* Any medications you may take
* Your family history of cancer
* The results of any mammograms or biopsies you have ever had done
* You will be examined and measured
* A photograph may be taken of your nude torso for your medical record
* Your surgeon will also explain to you the risks of anesthesia and what you can expect from having the surgery.

As you can see, breast reduction is indeed a serious surgical procedure, but when performed by an experienced, Board Certified plastic surgeon, the results can be wonderful for your self-image and figure!

In Baltimore, breast enhancement through reduction, lifts, or implants, is researched by patients looking for an experienced plastic surgeon. The board certified surgeons at The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland offer the highest level of skill. They offer information and before and after pictures at http://www.drcohenplasticsurgery.com/.

By A Aaronson

Breast Implants Review

Even though the Barbie doll image of a large and perky chest does not weigh as heavily in the public mind anymore, women from all around the globe still love to have them.

The current trend is for a more athletic and proportioned figure, which still has plastic surgeons busy, but more women are choosing a more natural-looking figure.

"A friend of mine, after nursing two children, basically had no breasts left. There was only sagging skin. She opted for saline, went for a full B and absolutely loves it. For her, the risks and discomfort were worth the reward and, as far as I know, she has had no regrets. She also loves the fact that she can get away with wearing no bra in the summer with tank tops or evening formal wear." Beate F., 48, Atlanta, GA.

Breast implants can, however, potentially interfere with mammograms, self examinations, and nursing, so you need to be sure you are educated on how these health issues will affect you. Special instructions are available for mammograms and self exams with implants. Also, if you think you may breast feed in the future, certain surgical precautions can be taken with implantation.

Another risk involved is that this may not be a one-time surgical procedure, and the effects are not guaranteed for the rest of your lifetime. Breast implants invariably leak, and you will need to have replacements. Or you may decide you no longer want to be a buxom D ... you would really like to be a curvy C.

There are many reasons why natural breasts may not be as perfect as their owner would like them to be ... asymmetry, sagging due to weight loss or breast feeding, or simple having small breasts due to heredity. Often, women opt for a breast lift along with the implant.

You have two choices for the type of material:

* silicone
* saline

Both types have a silicone rubber "shell," but as their name indicates, one is filled with silicone, while the other is filled with a saline solution.

Saline is water with a high concentration of salt, which can be made to match the human body.

took silicone breast implants off the market, citing concerns over their safety, including how often they ruptured in a woman's body and whether leaking silicone could lead to diseases as some women claimed.

Silicone was temporarily taken off the market by the FDA in the 90s because of concerns over their safety. At the time the concerns were how often they ruptured and whether leaking could lead to diseases as some women claimed.

However, an improved version was reintroduced and approved in 2006 amid much media coverage and excitement by women across the United States.

According to FDA studies, side effects are still common with both types in the first few years. They include, but are not restricted to:

* pains
* nipple numbness
* secondary surgeries required
* possible interferance with nursing
* toxic shock syndrome

You want to enjoy your new figure and the self-confidence boost, so be sure to thoroughly research your surgeon, the types of implants available, and the contour and texture of implants. Make sure, your plastic surgeon is board certified.

The ultimate goal is for your body to be safe and healthy, and for you to enjoy your new figure. Transformation after surgery is amazing; plastic surgeons report that a fuller chest usually means bigger smiles and greater self esteem in their patients.

For breast augmentation, Atlanta women thoroughly research the local plastic surgeons. The surgeons at Swan Center for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta are all board certified with many years of experience. They offer information, before and after pictures, and financing options online http://www.swancenteratlanta.com/


By A Aaronson